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Re: decent portable mic pre with optical out

Subject: Re: decent portable mic pre with optical out
From: "oryoki2000" oryoki2000
Date: Wed Nov 15, 2006 6:48 am ((PST))
"raf_porter" wrote:
> Does anyone know of any portable two channel
> microphone pre amps that also have an optical
> output to hook up to MD?

Two units that have two channels for mic input,
optical output, and that are designed to run on battery
power are the Deneke AD-20 and Core Sound Mic2496.

As you noted, the Edirol UA/5 is a third option.
It's a discontinued model, but can be found for sale
as a used item.  One that is modified to run on
battery power is listed for sale on the Tapers
Section forum now, asking price $450.
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=3D74314.0

The problems with the UA/5 are (1) its self-noise
is relatively high when you need to crank up the
pre-amp's volume, and (2) it's relatively heavy and
bulky with an external 9V power source.

If you need to use a preamp with a Hi-MD recorder, I'd
suggest using one that provides analog line out rather
than optical out.  The A/D circuit in the Hi-MD recorder
works very well.  Let me know if you'd like information
about small preamps with analog output.

Attached are specifications of the three models mentioned
above.

--oryoki

Manufacturer...Denecke
Product...AD-20
typical price...$325
URL...http://www.denecke.com/prod04.htm
# of channels...2
A/D conversion...20/44.1
input...XLR balanced
mic power...no
output...SPDIF optical and coax
max gain...45dB
gain control...continuous, 0 dB to 45 dB
noise rating...-125dB
power source...9V battery
battery life...8 to 10 hours
battery access...external pocket, no screws
indicator lights...none
dimensions...3" x 5.75" x 1.25"
weight...approx 16 oz


Manufacturer...Core Sound=09
Product...Mic2496
typical price...$550
URL...http://www.core-sound.com/Mic2496/2.php
# of channels...2
A/D conversion...24/96
input...5 pin mini-XLR
mic power...9V or 48V phantom power
output...SPDIF coax and optical
headphone jack...
max gain...53 dB
gain control...continuous, 13 to 53dB
noise rating...-135 dB
power source...9V battery
battery life...5.5 hours with no mic power
battery life...2 to 4 hours when supplying 48V phantom
battery access...external pocket, no screws
indicator lights...power, activity, clip
dimensions...5-1/16" x 3" x 1-3/8"
weight...278g  9.75 oz

Manufacturer...Roland/Edirol
Product...UA/5
typical price...discontinued, available used
URL...http://www.roland.com/products/en/UA-5/specs.html
# of channels...2
A/D conversion...24/96
input...XLR, phono, SPDIF optical and coax
mic power...48v
output...USB, SPDIF optical and coax, RCA, phono
headphone jack...yes
max gain...50dB
gain control...continuous
noise rating...-95dBu
power source...AC mains
battery life...n/a
indicator lights...peak, power
battery access...external
dimensions...218 x 137 x 47
dimensions...8-5/8 x 5-7/16 x 1-7/8
weight...0.7kg, 1 l lb 10 oz
comment...Oade mods, battery power mods







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