Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Looking for stereo mic preamp recommendations.

This is topic Looking for stereo mic preamp recommendations. in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Alan Gouger (Member # 543) on 06-09-2006, 11:16 AM:

I am not using a cinema processor having been limited to mono in the past. Just went from the cell into a mic preamp into an amp. For the time being with my new stereo cell I will do the same using my stereo amplifier until I decide which cinema processor I will purchase. Therefore I'm looking for recommendations for a quality pre amp.
I am currently using two of the Radio Design Labs mic preamps.
I'm not convinced of their quality and wondering what is the pre amp of choice everyone recommends. Stereo in one unit if possible.

Thank you.

Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 06-09-2006, 12:52 PM:

We are using a Joe Meek Pro stereo preamp that has a very smooth sound plus a mild noise gate and what's really nice is that the input can accept a wide variety of impedences. We liked it so much that we use them on two of our 16mm machines (even though we only need one channel). The unit also has high and low frequency eq, VU LEDs and it is relatively inexpensive (as pro audio mic preamps can go), I think we got ours for something like $200 and change from Full Compass. It's a nice unit. Prosonus is another pro audio brand that makes a stereo preamp for reasonable price what will work fine for a stereo solar cell.

One caution, if you do buy a studio type mic preamp, be sure to somehow tape over or otherwise make it difficult to activate the 48v phantom power supply switch -- your stereo cell might take grave offence it if were given such a gift! [Eek!]

Posted by Floyd Justin Newton (Member # 1316) on 06-09-2006, 02:13 PM:

You might try the Shure line of broadcast preamps.

Posted by Alan Gouger (Member # 543) on 06-12-2006, 12:21 PM:

Frank thanks for that link. Lots of goodies. The pre amp you mention is no longer listed.

I have decided to bypass buying a preamp and will make the jump into a used cinema processor. Better to take my time and do it right. Thanks to both for the suggestions.

Posted by Bruce Hansen (Member # 281) on 06-12-2006, 05:11 PM:

With a mike preamp you will not get SR decoading, and your audio will sound a little strange. A (newer) cinema processor will give you proper decoading.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 06-12-2006, 05:25 PM:

RDL makes good little preamp boxes

Posted by Alan Gouger (Member # 543) on 06-12-2006, 05:52 PM:

Hi Gordon

Thats what I was using. It was mono. The quality seamed fine but having to spend money on another one, they do not make a stereo preamp I was looking for some alternative recommendations. I think Im better off though to just make the move to a cinema processor altogether.

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 06-12-2006, 06:31 PM:

quote: Alan Gouger
I am currently using two of the Radio Design Labs mic preamps

quote: Alan Gouger
Thats what I was using. It was mono

????

Posted by Alan Gouger (Member # 543) on 06-12-2006, 08:20 PM:

Richard

With my Devry I was using one mono RDL. I also have a second RDL thinking I could use both with my new setup but they are both different models, odd balls to each other. I know I could use them and make them work I am worried about possible mismatch of gain and impedance ect. I decided to play it safe and look for an alternative. Talking to someone on this forum Ive decided to go with a cine processor all together.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 06-12-2006, 10:31 PM:

didn't you have a smart mod2b at one time with an eprad sword?

Posted by Alan Gouger (Member # 543) on 06-13-2006, 09:20 AM:

Gordon

Yup. That was about 15 years ago. I remember I got your name through Jim Lavado ( spelling ? ) and you aligned my SH1000 soundhead. I had a nice setup back then. Ended up selling everything and getting out of film as my business started to grow taking up all my free time. I never lost the passion and the last few years been putting things back together again including finishing a small dedicated screening room with a small booth. As close to finished as I am it seams I still need so much stuff. It never ends but that's part of the fun.

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 06-13-2006, 01:54 PM:

On the subject of preamps, I've used the Symetrix (sp?) model with solar cells in a pair of portable machines and it sounded pretty good.