Mic Pre-amp

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england

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I'm recording on a TASCAM 424 Mark III and have little trouble with 'noise' other than when using two Shure SM57's to mic a classical guitar to two inputs, panned left and right. I would like to get an ART Tube MP mic pre-amp to reduce the noise as I have to really crank the trim to get a good level, but I'm unsure about the sequence of connections. I guess my question is, would the 2 mics go to the mic pre-amp then directly to the console? Thanks!
 
You generally have to crank the trim to get a full signal from a mic source. Not too sure on the numbers but they're usually about a -50db signal, right experts?

keep in mind that adding a link to the chain won't eliminate whatever link is adding the noise. With the xlr in's on the mkIII, it seems strange that you'd be having a noise problem from anything besides cheap cables or bad miking techniques. Well thats my logic anyway, but then again I'm not really with it when it comes to mic pre's. -lzb

[This message has been edited by lazyboy (edited 05-29-2000).]
 
Someone on the bulletin board mentioned that once the trim pots on the 424 are raised above the 2:00 position they begin adding noise. When I'm using an open mic as opposed to sending a direct signal, that is exactly what is happening (bad miking my a$%^&$!). Anyway, I assume an external device like a mic preamp will allow me to boost the mic signal and thereby decrease the trim pot level and get rid of the noise. Is that not correct? Help!
 
England,
The trim-pot is actually a mic-pre built into your 424. Every mic needs some pre-amp to boost it up to line level. I used to use a 424MKII and I got some noise using the built in pres... Using an external pre should eliminate your noise problem since you won't be using the trim pots (i.e. they should be at 0). Give it a try and good luck!
-Evan
 
Yo England: (I teach English!)

First of all, your mic would plug into the IN JACK OF WHATEVER MIC PREAMP YOU DECIDE TO BUY. [Prices range from a few hundred for the ART to 2000 for the Martinsound mic pre.]

The ART pre, [I have one of those] has room to plug in two mics so that should help you with your dual miking.

Then, you run another cable from the OUT jack plugs of the ART into your input 1/4 inch jacks to whatever tracks you want to put the sound on.

The ART also has XLR inputs/outputs; however, I don't know what your particular recorder will accept.

It's pretty easy. The ART also has built-in phantom power if that is needed for your mics. It's nice to have because you will probably buy a mic that requires phantaom power in the future.

Hope this helps you out.

Green Hornet
 
I have a 414, but if I remember correctly the 424 has 2, maybe 4, XLR inputs, so you could go from the ART's XLR output(s) into your 4-track.

I have both a Tube MP and a Dual MP and run the 1/4" outputs from the ARTs into my 4-track. I turn the trim all the way down on the 414 and adjust the levels using the ARTs. I sometimes notice the ARTs getting noisy when I turn the input and/or output too high, but it's far better than using the preamps on the 414.

You shouldn't have any problems adding a Tube MP to your setup. If you really plan to use two mics then you should probably consider the Dual MP. I bought mine early in the year and I think I paid $249.
 
"ART Tube MP" referred to only has a single mic input. ART does also make a two channel rack mount version--I think it's called the "Dual MP" or some such thing. Both are just really quite nice for the price, and offer enough gain that you should be able to turn your TASCAM trim pots way down to a point where noise is less of a problem.
 
Also it is best when using an external mic pre, to plug the outs into the line ins of the recorder- not the mic ins.

-jhe
 
Absolutly. If you don't you'll go through it's mic pre as well.
 
I have also experienced noise on my ART Dual
MP. It does however have a nice warming character, more so than my Bellari. I have
never owned any gear that warmed too much.
I would like to own such a thing...

Chuck
 
The Art tube MP is a great way to go to mic up acoustic guitars. However, I have found them to be a tad noisy on the upper levels. I also found that good cables and a good mic are essential for recording with the Art MP. Try going with performer 500 monster cables and I belive the Shure SM57 will work ok; but down the road you might consider beefing the mic up to Shure SM94. You won't regret the investment ($180). Good luck.
DL.
 
I track all acoustic guitar parts via my JoeMeek VC6Q mic pre. It's got a lot of tools to really warm up the sound a lot (lots of headroom, quiet operation, awesome photo-optical compressor and some really tasty EQ options).
 
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