Pocket-size battery powered preamps
Last year, I posted a list of pocket-size preamps that can help nature
recordists boost the signal from their mics without adding too much
extra noise. Here's an update.
The preamps listed below support two channels of input unless noted
otherwise. The output of these devices is suitable for connecting to
the Line Input of your recorder.
There are many excellent preamps that are too big to be easily
carried, or that depend on bulky external power packs in field use.
For example, the Grace Lunatec V2 is a great preamp. It's just too
big to be carried very far from the car.
It's OK to reproduce this list elsewhere, just be sure to credit the
NatureRecordists list on Yahoo as the source. Thanks.
Did I miss any? Please let me know.
--oryoki
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Chris Church ST-20B preamp
$110, max boost 30 dB
stores.ebay.ca/CHURCH-AUDIO
Sound Professionals SP-Preamp
$180, max 42 dB boost
www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-PREAMP
Felmicamps Battery Preamp
$200, max 50dB boost
www.felmicamps.co.uk/products/felbattpreamp.html
Maycom MicTube (one channel)
$285, max boost 55 dB
www.solidstatesound.co.uk/MicTube%20leaflet.pdf
Sound Devices MP-1 (one channel)
$300, max 66 dB bost
www.sounddevices.com/products/mp1master.htm
Sound Devices MP-2 (also sold as the Shure FP24)
discontinued model, about $500 used, max boost 66 dB
http://www.sounddevices.com/products/mp2master.htm
Sound Devices MixPre (replaces MP-2)
$670 max 66 dB boost
www.sounddevices.com/products/mx2master.htm
Aerco MP2
$750, max boost 70 dB
www.aerco.net/mp2.html
Sonic Studios PA-24NJ
$1000, max boost 44 dB
www.sonicstudios.com/pa24inst.htm
Sonosax SX-M2
$1100, max boost 76 dB
www.sonosax.ch/SXM2/sxm2.html
AETA MIXY
$ ??? (new product), max boost 92 dB
as big as a Sound Devices 702, not really pocket size
http://www.aeta-audio.com/html/audiodocs/mixy_data_sheet.pdf
Reactive Sounds, maker of the SPA-2 Boost Box ($200) seems to be out
of business.
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