Troubles

[ParkerParker]

So I've always run my microphones (sm57 and sm58) into my BR-864 (cause it's all I have right now) and then to my computer...that's always worked. Recently I have inherited an AKG 3035 and bought a ksm27 and neither one of these condenser mics have worked or picked up anything. the 3035 barely picked up a little noise when I had the gain all the way up, but nothing worth recording. The ksm27 just wont pick up anything. Are these mics duds? I would think, although crappily, the 864's preamp would be enough to get some response out of these mics...what's the deal?

Edit: Is it because the 864 provides no phantom power?

 

[kidvybes]

Edit: Is it because the 864 provides no phantom power?

...BINGO!...

 

[slobbermonster]

condenser mics require phantom power (usually 48 volt)

 

[soundchaser59]

You can get a little box that provides nothing but phantom power (no need to worry about audio quality with a box like that) for 2 or 4 mics for around $30-50 bucks.

 

[ParkerParker]

On what store's shelf does this little box live?

 

[kid klash]

Here's one ($40) :

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/180622/

Here's another ($25) :

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/185271/

 

[ParkerParker]

thanks, I think I may pick up the cheapest Rolls today

 

[dgatwood]

thanks, I think I may pick up the cheapest Rolls today

If you're spending that much money, you're well on your way to the price of a Peavey PV8, which packs phantom power and four high quality, low noise pres in a mini mixer. Just a thought.

 

[Ford Van]

If you're spending that much money, you're well on your way to the price of a Peavey PV8, which packs phantom power and four high quality, low noise pres in a mini mixer. Just a thought.

You mean so that he can run his mic through 2 cheap preamps now?

Brilliant!

 

[dgatwood]

You mean so that he can run his mic through 2 cheap preamps now?

The PV8 preamps may be inexpensive, but I'd hardly call them cheap. THD is a third that of the DMP3 that so many folks around here seem to praise. They're really nice pres for the price ($35/channel). They'd be really nice pres at 3 times the price.

 

[Ford Van]

Ok.

So, go check the THD of it compared to a Summit, or old NEVE.

If THD was the only consideration of how a preamp will SOUND, some of the best preamps out there would be considered "crappy".

 

[Ford Van]

And all that aside, why would you want him to run his mic via 2 different preamps? That just invites all sorts of trouble.

 

[dgatwood]

And all that aside, why would you want him to run his mic via 2 different preamps? That just invites all sorts of trouble.

Nowhere did I say to do that. I would assume that the multitrack recorder in question has line inputs. That's pretty much a given....

 

[dgatwood]

Ok.

So, go check the THD of it compared to a Summit, or old NEVE.

If THD was the only consideration of how a preamp will SOUND, some of the best preamps out there would be considered "crappy".

We're not comparing it to a Neve. We're comparing it to the preamps in a consumer-grade multitrack digital recorder. Let's put this comparison back in context....