pre-amps
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Posted on Nov 25, 2002 11:37 am
mickthaman
Member Since: Oct 31, 2002
Do pre-amps boost condensor mic signal as much as they do dynamics mics? if not, does the quality of the pre-amp have much effect on the sound of the condensor?
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Nov 26, 2002 01:59 pm Yes. Actually, you need phantom power for most condensor mics, which is usually included in the pre-amp. So in a sense, they actually boost the signal more for a condensor mic. As for sound quality, I just use my Behringer mixer and it sounds fine, but yes, I'm sure that a really nice pre amp will make a difference in sound quality. Actually, since my condensor has an external power supply, I hardly even need a pre-amp since the signal is already so high when it gets to the mixer.
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Nov 27, 2002 07:49 pm If you are asking about the value of a dedicated pre amp rather than using the pre amp in a mixer or a recording unit, the answer is in quality not quantity. All pre amps boost the signal to acceptable recording levels. How well they do it is the question. And that question is largly to taste. A good mixer will typically have pre amps that will boost a signal without adding noise or color. Most dedicated pre amps purposly add color. Often the color of a tube effect or warmth. And yes, they work on all mics. The phantom power is just power that the mic needs to operate like pluging in an amplifer to the wall. A dynamic mic creates it's own signal from magnets. A condenser has to have power to create a signal.
Nov 29, 2002 06:50 am What I'm really trying to say, is does a phantom power condensor need as much pre-amping as a dynamic mic, because the pre-amps on my behringer desk aren't likely to be wonderful
Nov 29, 2002 07:04 am Actually, the Behringer preamps in their UB series mixers are pretty darn nice. I just got the UB1662 FX-Pro about a month ago and it has been very impressive thus far.
Nov 29, 2002 02:31 pm ah thanks for reassuring me, the guy at digital village didn't sound like a behringer fan, and I was worried about how big a step up these new UB series mixers are as I could have got an old mx 12 channel for a fair bit less.
Nov 29, 2002 03:17 pm The UB is quite a big step, and one of the bigger improvements is in a preamps.A lot of people beat of Behringer, especially sales guys at stores cuz they can get more commission selling more expensive gear. There apparantly are subtle differences between the two if you really spec the things out, but I have not personally heard any differences that justify twice the price.
Don't be fooled, for us starving artists Behringer more than hits the mark every time. When I get rich and famous I might go to a huge expensive rig just to brag, but until that day comes, Behringer is it for me.
