None of the old tube designs will have enough gain for a traditional ribbon mic, including your Beyer M500, (except the V76) -- on acoustic guitar or mandolin or fiddle, for example. Especially the old RCA ribbon mics, they are very low output and require more gain than any V72 or G9 can produce when micing an acoustic instrument.
tommypiper said:Walter, your one man blues band video is crazy. Sounds good. Amazing.
Guys, if you want to do acoustic instruments with a ribbon mic the V72 and G9 will not have enough gain! I agree with the SSL9k, or maybe Green Pre, something easy with lots of gain. A 1290 will definitely fit the bill and offer some character too!
None of the old tube designs will have enough gain for a traditional ribbon mic, including your Beyer M500, (except the V76) -- on acoustic guitar or mandolin or fiddle, for example. Especially the old RCA ribbon mics, they are very low output and require more gain than any V72 or G9 can produce when micing an acoustic instrument.
(Maybe if you're going out unbalanced into -10 you'll make it... another discussion. Or don't mind lower levels and your converter can boost levels, etc... another discussion.)
However, if you're micing loud drums and guitar cabs, then you'd be OK with any of the mic pres. Then I'd vote for one of NY Dave's tube designs, like the MILA, as Paul S mentioned.
Just be aware, most people underestimate the gain needed for a ribbon mic on an acoustic instrument.
waltertore said:thanks for all the responses! Hi Twist- I made it hear from doing searches for scratch made preamps. I look forward to hearing yours. What is it? I have looked at the G9, two bottle and the ones on drip electronics. I am all for old gear, but my experiences with that stuff is it usually needs a lot of work and parts can be hard to find. I know nothing on this end. This is why I thought about going new. It will last a long time with little to no issues. The V72 looks real nice but I don't see phantom power. Thanks. Walter.
tommypiper said:Walter, you're a great singer and harp player.Don't divert yourself here with DIY! Stick to playing! ;D
OK, well, sorry if I'm a bit off about not enough gain on those old pres. I've just tried the V72 a few times with ribbons and couldn't get enough gain for fiddle or mandolin. Same with the G9. I barely got enough level with the G9 at full gain with a 414 on a bashing, loud strumming guitar! Is it my set up, or what? On the other hand, with a U-87 into a V76 I couldn't turn the gain low enough for kick drum! Had to find a pad. Gary, no compressor, therefore no extra gain, as I go straight from pre to converter at +4.
Penquista, do you have SlowBlow info? Schem? I've been looking for a confirmed one! I've heard great things about it. There used to be some old threads around here. Would love more info!
tommypiper said:I barely got enough level with the G9 at full gain with a 414 on a bashing, loud strumming guitar! Is it my set up, or what?
kornwallace5 said:Yes slowblow schem would be dandy!
Anyone who has any information please share....
Thanks,
waltertore said:raysolinski said:Those old recordings you love are ALOT more than just a tube pre...try some fabulous ribbon mics (or u47's), tube comps and limiters and tape pushed warm in a nice room...mixed and mastered analog...not to say a nice tube pre won't get you started down that road but that is a LONG road.... ;D
I hear you on that! We are neighbors. I am in Granville, OH. Walter
raysolinski said:waltertore said:raysolinski said:Those old recordings you love are ALOT more than just a tube pre...try some fabulous ribbon mics (or u47's), tube comps and limiters and tape pushed warm in a nice room...mixed and mastered analog...not to say a nice tube pre won't get you started down that road but that is a LONG road.... ;D
I hear you on that! We are neighbors. I am in Granville, OH. Walter
Granville is nice! Cincy is okay, but I am more of an east coast guy. Good luck Walter..anything I can help you with drop me a line here..
Ray
gary o said:Walter you could do it..... have a soldering practise, us folks here can help you with schematics and so on
tommypiper said:Walter, your one man blues band video is crazy. Sounds good. Amazing.
Guys, if you want to do acoustic instruments with a ribbon mic the V72 and G9 will not have enough gain! I agree with the SSL9k, or maybe Green Pre, something easy with lots of gain. A 1290 will definitely fit the bill and offer some character too!
None of the old tube designs will have enough gain for a traditional ribbon mic, including your Beyer M500, (except the V76) -- on acoustic guitar or mandolin or fiddle, for example. Especially the old RCA ribbon mics, they are very low output and require more gain than any V72 or G9 can produce when micing an acoustic instrument.
(Maybe if you're going out unbalanced into -10 you'll make it... another discussion. Or don't mind lower levels and your converter can boost levels, etc... another discussion.)
However, if you're micing loud drums and guitar cabs, then you'd be OK with any of the mic pres. Then I'd vote for one of NY Dave's tube designs, like the MILA, as Paul S mentioned.
Just be aware, most people underestimate the gain needed for a ribbon mic on an acoustic instrument.