Which preamp for ECM8000 ref microphone used for ETF? (1 Viewer)

[JamesDB]

I was wondering if some of you using ETF could suggest a low cost preamp (less that $100 hopefully) that I could use with the Behringer ECM8000 semi-reference mic. I already have the mic which I use with my DEQ2496 so I don't want to upgrade that right now.

I have seen the ART Tube MP OPL for about $50 but I don't know if the tube amplification would affect the signal. Are these preamps fairly flat or will they completely mess up the semi-flat response of the ECM resulting in really bad data?

Recommendations and advice would be really appreciated

Thanks,

J

 

[Edward J M]

Behringer UB1002. Ruler flat FR, low noise. Three gain stages on the line input - mic, line level, and main mix. I have recommended settings.

I don't use this rig anymore, but I still have it and it served me well.

 

[JamesDB]

Edward,

Thanks for the idea. Is that a one channel preamp?
What are you using now if not ETF?

J

 

[Edward J M]

No, it's a mixing board with phantom power. The mixing board adds some challenges because you have a few gain stages to deal with and you don't want to overload any gain stage or the soundcard. Other than that, pretty simple to use.

I measured the FR of that unit and it's extremely flat - no need for correction factors. The ECM8k will need CFs down low, but from 20-18,000 Hz it should be better than +/- 1 dB. If you do get the mic calibrated, I thought Kim Girardin did a good job for me.

I meant I'm not currently using the ECM8k/UB1002 rig. I still use ETF-5 and TrueRTA.

 

[John Kotches]

Ed:

Another inexpensive option is the Rolls MP13, which is a single channel Mic preamp and does a very good job.

I use this combo for room measurements with Meridian Room Correction, and I'm just getting started with ETF and TrueRTA.

Cheers,

 

[Edward J M]

Yes, I would imagine a single channel mic preamp with phantom power and one gain control would be the easiest to use and the most direct signal path. Good suggestion, John.

I'm currently using a battery powered mic, which makes life easy.

 

[JamesDB]

Would I have any issues if I used the ART Tube MP OPL? It looks like a pretty nice preamp for cheap?

Also, given that the ECM8000 has a -37dBV/Pa level will this need to be set very precisely in order for ETF to return good results?

Thanks John for the suggestion.. I'll look into that one also. So far I am leaning towards the UB802 (1 down from the UB1002) if the ART will not work. Do you think the Rolls would be quieter than the Behringer?

James

 

[John Kotches]

James:

Too much distortion for taking measurements. You want absolutely minimal distortion and noise, and (in all honesty) tube preamps are not it.

I believe that both ETF and TrueRTA strongly recommend against their use for these reasons.

Note that taking measurements is a different goal than making recordings

Cheers,