OK, now who wants to tell me how to...

[Hi_Flyer]

preamp related- OK, now who wants to tell me how to...

..hook up my condensor mic> preamp> Tascam 688?

First of all, can somebody give me a briefing on the functions of a preamp (I will be using an ART Pro MPA)? In this case I'm using it primarily because the Tascam 688 does not have phantom power... What are the proper settings for the input/output gain?

Also, I'm not sure how I should hook it up to the mixer. The preamp has both balanced and unbalanced inputs/outputs. Should a condensor mic go into the balanced input/output? Would I use a different input/output if I was recording a bass direct? What if it were a dynamic mic, would it make a difference then? Then, where should I go into the mixer on the Tascam 688? It was my understanding that its best to bypass the built-in preamps, so can I do this by plugging into the channel insert? Or should I just plug into an XLR jack and turn the trim all the way down?

I guess I'm just looking for the basics on how to use a preamp here. This particular piece of equipment is borrowed from a friend, and I have a feeling he doesn't really know how to use it much more than I do, so thats why I didn't just ask him...

I may not get the chance to get all three pieces of gear together for another week or so, but I want to have an idea about what I'm doing beforehand.

Thanks

 

[ssscientist]

First of all, can somebody give me a briefing on the functions of a preamp?

Okay. I'm going to tackle this and then go out for lunch.

A preamp's function is to lift the small current output of a microphone up to a level that can been 'seen' by other components following in the audio chain - a mixing board being the most common. For a microphone, set the input so that you can see the signal on the input meter. For an instrument, set the input high enough so that it just clips the input stage, then back it off 20% or so. Use the meters on the device that follows it to set the output.

Should a condensor mic go into the balanced input/output?

Yes. The signal will appear at both the balanced and unbalanced outputs.

Would I use a different input/output if I was recording a bass direct?

Yes, you would use the 1/4" input for a bass.

What if it were a dynamic mic, would it make a difference then?

No, you would still use the balanced input.

Then, where should I go into the mixer on the Tascam 688?

Into a 1/4" line input. The preamp puts out a line level signal which needs no additional amplification.

There you have it. A crash course in using a preamp. If there's anything I didn't cover or make clear, feel free to post again.

 

[ssscientist]

Bump. Hi_Flyer, where are you?

 

[Hi_Flyer]

Pittsburgh, why do you ask?

 

[ssscientist]

LOL. Just wanted to be sure you got my sweated-over reply...

 

[Hi_Flyer]

uh yes, of course... so since I'm still here, would you mind elaborating on what you mean by "clips the input stage"? I'm not sure what you mean by that...

by the way, thanks, the help is much appreciated.

 

[ssscientist]

'Clips the input stage' means putting the input meter into the red. Clipping is another word for distortion and if you're going to plug a bass straight in without the benefit of compression you'll need to be a little cautious with your levels.