mic to multitrack cabling

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dpmac

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I'm confused: is the following set up OK? Oktava MC319 to ROLLS phantom power unit (1/4 inch input and XLR out) with a radio shack XLR to 1/4 inch cable, then XLR mic cable to radio shack adapter (described on Home Recording page) to Fostex multitrack? Would appreciate input.
 
What seems to be the problem? Your setup sounds correct. are you getting any sound!
noise or distortion. Let us know and maybe some-1 can help you!
 
Thanks for the response and sorry about the delay. I have had no time to experiment. The problem is that I am getting no sound. I suspect that the ROLLS ADB2 phantom direct box sold to me with the microphone does not provide any power. Do I need a mixer or mic preamp? I thought the phantom direct box would provide the phantom power.
 
does the phantom power unit have any sort of gain knob on it? powering it will allow the mic to send out a signal, but you still need to amplify that signal to a line level with some kind of preamp.
 
There are no knobs on the unit of any type. Just two 1/4 inputs, an XLR output, a dB attenuator switch and a ground lift switch.

Here's the info provided on the unit by Rolls Corp.:
The ADB2 is powered by standard microphone phantom power from 9-48 VDC and uses a discrete low-noise differential driver to make it very quiet. The ADB2 has two 1/4" Input jacks wired in parallel, a male XLR Output and a 3 position attenuator and ground lift switches.
ADB2 Specifications:
Input -10 to +40 dB unbal
Output -10 to +2 dB bal XLR pin 2 +
Bandwidth 1 -50K Hz
S/N 100 Db
Jacks (2) 1/4" phone, XLR Male
Attenuator 0 dB, 20 dB, 40 dB
Power9 -48 V Phantom
Size 2" X 3.5" X 1.23"

Web Site: http://www.rolls.com/new/frame2.html

Any other ideas or suggestions?
 
Take it back to where you bought it. Have them show you how to use it. If it doesn't work, have them replace it.

Or, better yet, take it back. You can buy a Behringer MX 802 Mixer for about $119. It has four XLR mic inputs and four 1/4" line-ins, 3-band EQ, aux sends/returns, head phone jack, and line level, pan, and phantom power on all channels...and gain knobs on the XLR channels. It's thrice as expensive, but ten times more functional than the Rolls Direct box--probably has better preamps,too.
 
dpmac,

your problem is that the direct box needs phantom power to work. It doesn't use batteries (I assume) and therefor, you will need phantom power, which is usually supplied by your mixer. Also, is the Octava a dynamic mic (needing no external power supply) or a condensor mic (needing an external power supply or a battery)? If it is a dynamic mic I'm confused about why you need a direct box and all the adaptors. Seems to me that your setup should be as direct as possible: mic to XLR-1/4" cable, 1/4" plug to Fostex recorder. If the mic is a condensor then your problem also includes the fact that you have no power being supplied to the mic. What you will need then is a normal mic cord (XLRs on both ends) AND a phantom power supply. Now Rolls makes them, but I have no idea how much. tdukex recommends a small mixer, but if you want a nice preamp with phantom power in a small package you may want to consider an ART MP Tube preamp. They cost $100 and you can use it with either condensor or dynamic mics. You can also use it with guitars and such so you will basically eliminate the need for a direct box at all. I'm sure the Fostex recorder has a mixer as part of the unit, so buying the mix may be unnecessary (not to be confused with a waste of money). Also, many on this board will agree, a $150 mixing board will not give you mic preamps that will come close to equalling the ART preamp.

Peace, Jim

[This message has been edited by Jim Marquard (edited 05-16-2000).]
 
Thanks for the helpful input from all. The Octava is a condenser mic and does require phantom power. Both the mixer and preamp options sound viable and in the right price range. I understand tube mic preamp help warm up the sound. The ART appears to have both 1/4 and XLR inputs/outputs so I could definitely skip the adapters. (My recording is basically all vocals and guitars.)
 
As an update, I ended buying the most expensive power supply source I could find: a Roland VS 1880 digital 18 track recorder! Another case of go in for a $39.99 item and walk out with $3,000 worth of equipment!
 
Take it back right away. There are far more expensive power supplies to be considered. You might want to look into SSL consoles. :)

/Ola
 
Seems to me that anyone who is *still* your Very Supportive Wife deserves a dozen roses, and quick!

Whaddaya say, guys? :D

[This message has been edited by Treeline (edited 05-31-2000).]
 
That is a great story!

The Rolls unit is just a phantome power unit. Not a preamp, althought they too are made by Rolls now Bellari. I have the VS1680. Killer unit but..........The preamp is not that hot. I bought an external mic pre. Now it sounds spectacular. http://www.mindprint.com Envoice. It brings it all to life.
 
Thanks for the suggestion and the link. My VERY supportive wife may want me to get a little initial use from the VS-1880 before I go off buying new gear! Know what I mean? Of course, I'll keep the Envoice info close by....
 
I take good advice when I hear it! I went out and got my wife TWO dozen roses! I also hold on to a good thing when I have it, so don't hold your breath on the divorce, heh, MISTERQCUE!
 
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