<<The AEA TRP has really high impedance and according to the propaganda tha=
t is to facilitate long cable runs. >>
It's really more about accommodating the load of typical ribbon mics. AEA, =
(specifically owner Wes Dooley,) are pretty much wholly responsible for sta=
rting the stampede to revive ribbon mics, which had been largely in disuse =
since the advent of affordable, i.e. solid state, condenser mics.
<<Plus long cables are heavy when you're dealing with stereo pairs or decca=
tree (4+ mic) configurations.>>
A Decca configuration would just be three mics.
<<As far as the benefit to me, I guess it opens up a few mic options that m=
ight not do as well with the higher impedance. It might also extend battery=
life. But I doubt that it would be anything significant. And maybe not eve=
n by a measurable amount. It could also open up the potential for interfere=
nce. Although 2K is still pretty high impedance.
Big picture wise it's not really that important IMO. But it can affect the =
sound of what you record. Even when the sound and the mics are for all inte=
nts exactly the same. But they're still mics, that pick up sounds and the r=
ecorder records it. So we're not talking huge differences. Although getting=
the sound you want or NOT is a pretty huge difference.>>
Variable impedance mic preamplifiers have become a bit of this years big ma=
rketing deal. In my studio I have a number of channels of Focusrite ISA pre=
amps, which have four selectable input impedance settings. I have to say, w=
ith the Neumanns I typically run through them, I've never yet detected any =
sonic difference between any of the settings. And when I use a ribbon mic i=
t's usually through a different preamp, so I guess I haven't quite gotten w=
hat the big deal about variable input impedance is yet. If there is anythin=
g going on it's subtle to the degree of being pointless with any of the mic=
s I currently own. I suspect for nature recording one could find equal happ=
iness with any currently available impedance setting on any of the preamps =
which offer options. I can't recall any portable battery powered preamps of=
fering impedance options.
Scott Fraser
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