or, get what you pay for

April 10, 2008 9:21 PM

Going mobile and recording audio in the field: what microphone preamp and phantom power solutions are going to work well on a tight budget?* (*less than $150)

More specifically: Sound Devices MP-1 - Single Channel Portable Microphone Preamplifier is way over my budget (but ideal), and none of the cheaper ART tube amps are offered with battery power options. Mobility is key: interviews, concerts and lectures are my primary intended uses. Quality wise, I'm looking to use audio recorded with standard definition digital video footage. Not important really, but my digital recorder right now is an Iaudio 7 (with an un-powered line-in, recording into wma).
Thanks.

posted by acro to media & arts (5 comments total)

It's not clear what you are plugging it into. Is it going into a four-track? Computer?

If it's the latter, M-Audio has some decent equipment under $150 -- I have their USB MobilePre, which is pretty good if you're not super picky about the quality and noise characteristics of the preamp (that is, it's a damn good pre-amp, but obviously not like the ones you'll find in a professional studio -- check the links for the actual specs). They have even smaller devices, if you want to save a bit of money.

The former can definitely supply the +48V phantom power (it gets it from the USB port's power) needed for the mic. I'm not sure about their FastTrack device -- it's not clear in the manual (available on that link) whether it does phantom power or not.
posted by spiderskull at 10:14 PM on April 10, 2008

The FastTrack USB I have doesn't supply phantom power, and it looks like battery power is a key feature for acro.

If you can still find them, Behringer made the MXB1002, a battery powered mixer with phantom power.

There are also several mixers from Rolls that look like they might do the job. The MX124 looks decent, its right at your price limit. They have a bunch more here, scroll down a bit.
posted by jjb at 10:51 PM on April 10, 2008

I'm doing my recording on the iaudio m7, which has an unpowered line-in jack (but since it only saves as compressed wma, I might look into other recorder options later..)

spiderskull, I've considered USB powered devices, with the idea that I could power them with something like this.. However, to buy something like the Minty USB charger (or build it) might make the kit too bulky...

jjb, the MX124 looks great, but I have two questions: Phantom Power: +18 VDC -- does this limit the mics I can use (are there 'good' 18VDC phantom powered mics?) Second, since it doesn't explicitly say 'preamp' in the description, would a mixer like the MX124 put out enough power to the line out for my setup? (Max Output Level: + 14 dB Max Input Level: -14 dB Max Gain: +55 dB)?
Thanks for the links.
posted by acro at 11:16 AM on April 11, 2008

Not exactly what you're seem to be looking for, but check out the Zoom H2 portable recorder. Pretty amazing quality for a handheld. I went for the H4 model myself, mostly because I don't need the surround sound and I like having the multitrack/audio interface option. Oh, and the H4 does support external mics/phantom power.
posted by monospace at 11:34 AM on April 11, 2008

Thanks for the suggestion monospace, I'll definitely consider those when/if I look to upgrade my recorder.
posted by acro at 9:19 PM on April 12, 2008