Mic Pres for other things :::

  • Thread starter Thread starter Badtz
  • Start date Start date
B

Badtz

New member
can you use a mic pre [art tube, envoice, etc.] for other things other than for mics? [to get the coloring of the the pre]

what's the difference between a mic pre & a channel strip?
 
It;s a pre, so you can use it for anything that might need a preamp. Mics, guitar, bassguitar ,keys etc.

Channelstrip is Preamp with compressor and eq added.
 
Some preamps have built in DI's. Usually that shows up as a 1/4" jack right on the front panel. If so, you can plug a guitar or bass directly into the preamp (or channel strip too), and use whatever controls are on the box as if it were a microphone that was plugged in.

If the preamp does NOT have a built in DI circuit, you will need to use a direct box between your guitar or bass and the preamp. The direct box converts the signal coming out of the instrument to a level that won't overload the mic pre. Then, as far as your preamp is concerned, it thinks it is dealing with a microphone.
 
what happens if you plug in something that doesn't need a preamp?

dynamic mic? modules? etc.?
 
Badtz said:
what happens if you plug in something that doesn't need a preamp?

dynamic mic? modules? etc.?
Click to expand...

Perhaps you are thinking of phantom power. Most mic preamps have a switch that will provide phantom power to mics that require it. Dynamic mics, most ribbon and tube mics (almost all, with a couple of exceptions) do not require phantom power. Some older mics can actually be damage by phantom power.

But all low impedence mics require a preamp of some sort. If your mic comes with a cable with a 1/4" plug, it may be a high impedence mic and you may not need one. But almost all pro-quality mics are low impedence.

Modules don't necessarily need a preamp, but often you will use a DI box to convert the signal to low impedence so that you can use longer cable runs - then you can use a mic pre at the other end to get the signal back up to a useable level.

Also one sometimes runs things through certain mic pres (often expensive ones like Neve, Telefunken, API, Helios, etc.) because one likes the coloration that is added.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top