gain power for sm57 and sm7

[Golden]

any recommendations on a preamp for a 57 or sm7? These mics need lots of gain, correct? Any suggestions?

 

[Big Kenny]

budget? .

 

[pohaku]

IMHO you generally need at least 54db of clean gain for an SM7. 60db would be better - and more would be better still. of course it also depends on what you are recording. Cabs or whispered vocals make a difference in how much gain you need.

 

[Golden]

budget? .

Let's say $500 for now. And it will be for lead Vocal. I like the sound of dynamic mics on voice... I've got an ART MPA Gold working for me at the present moment... However, with only +20db, I'm finding it hard to get a nice hot signal out of the 57. I've found that condenser mics sound very nice with the MPA Gold... The 57 however, has been a struggle...

So yes, vocal work...

 

[punkin]

Something doesn't sound right. Please, take no offense but I'm pretty sure that MPA has something closer to 60 to 70 dB of gain. The specs on the input are max 20 something dB but the gain is a lot more than that. Is there a chance you don't have something set up quite right? Maybe a bad cable? I've got one btw...I use it on ribbons quite often. The variable input "Z" is nice and when I saw this, I just had to hook up an sm57 for myself just to be sure I wasn't talking out my backside.

I found a spec sheet for ya http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pdf/spec/180630.pdf

But hey, I could be wrong.

 

[soundchaser59]

Punkin is right, if you aren't getting enough gain with the MPA Gold then you are doing something wrong.....

 

[Golden]

Thanks for the replies guys... You know, I could be doing something wrong... I must admit... I've only been recording for about 8 months, so yeah, that's possible.

Any way... Here's the thing. When I hook up my condenser to the Gold, I get a really nice sound. Conversely, when I hook-up my 57, I get a lot more static-type noise, or a seemingly less desirable signal sound. I figured that I needed more gain power.

?

 

[Big Kenny]

Sounds like a bad mic
The Art has plenty of gas, not my octane, but that's a different story

 

[Minion]

The Gain is supposed to be 75db Max so that is more than most Mic pre"s....

 

[punkin]

Although I doubt this will have a lot off impact on your problem as you describe it, the imput impedance on that is 150 Ohms (rated but, actual is around 300) so, you'll need to turn the input impedance knob to about the 8 Oclock position for maximum signal transfer but that's doubtfully going to help much if at all. In fact I diddle that knob to "touch up" the sound to taste and often use it way off from what the mic manufacturer specs their input impedance. Never mind that....just a diversion or something to think about later when you get up an running.

Are you using the same mic cable as with the SM7? I guess there's a possibility that you're not getting the most of your SM7 as well if you're not absolutely certain of the performace your getting versus what you should be getting.

What are you recording to? I'm also currious about the input levels vs. the output levels. Where I'm going with this, is there a problem perhaps between the recording medium/computer/device and the mic pre? Again, cables perhaps.

Another dumb question but, are you connected to the XLR jacks on the back or are you using an adaptive device/cable to plug into the phono jacks?

I'd really like to see you get this resolved. Your mic pre is a nice budget piece in my opinion and you really don't need to be shopping right now until you get this issue resolved.

 

[Golden]

Punkin, I agree... The MPA Gold is a nice box... I really like it a lot! It sounds fantastic with my AT2020 condenser. However, as I mentioned, I don't feel I'm getting a great signal with the 57. Same cables, same hook-up as I would with the 2020, minus the phantom power.

I'm recording to a Fostex R8 reel to reel recorder. I just feel like I'm not getting a nice fat signal (headroom?) with the 57. Conversly, the 2020 has very little noise and sounds great.

For example, when I'm mixing a track that I have recorded with my 57, as I turn up the Trim on my mixer, I get more hiss than I would with the 2020. Actually, in the case of the 2020, I don't really get hiss!

That's the best I think I can describe it...

 

[Micter]

Mixer? Go straight into the Fostex forget about the mixer going in.

 

[punkin]

I agree, go direct. It sounds like you've got a handle on how things should be set up. There is the possibility of a problem with the mic.