Preamp with 9V phantom power

[gabi]

Hello!

I'm searching for a preamp that provides 9V phantom power. I need it for my Vektor pickup. Currently I'm using the LR Baggs Gigpro Preamp, but somehow, I don't like it, especially when used in combination with the Gallien Krueger MB150E-III Combo. Any suggestions?

[Ric Vice]

Gabi,
Now you probably weren't thinking in this direction, but have you tried using the Vektor, Gigpro Combination into another amp? There is certainly nothing inherently wrong with the MBE, but, if the midrange sound you're getting is undesirable, then it could be that your bass and the midrange pre amp voicing is to scooped for your Double Bass.
I had problems with the MBE mid "honking" and discovered the MBS to have a much better sound with my Realist and Mirecourt Bass.


Ric

[gabi]

Thanks for your answer. Yes, I already thought about getting another amp, but that would be a more expensive solution for me, so I thought, that there might be another preamp that would solve the problem. Especially, as I experienced similar, yet not so evident problems while using other amps when turning up the volume to a certain level (also through a Aguilar AG 500 SC amp with GS series cabs).

[bolo]

I've got a D-TAR Solstice preamp that sounds real good. But it is expensive, and it delivers +15 volts phantom.

Maybe you could contact the chap who makes the Vektor and ask him for preamp suggestions too.

FWIW, I did not like the GigPro either. Serious mid-range scoop I thought. Made the initial hit on each pizz pluck way too smooth. Almost reminded me of a compressor. YMMV ...

I hope you can find a pre that works for you.

[bolo]

Ooh ... You might could send a PM to Adrian Cho and flatback. They've used or still use the Vektor.

[robgrow]

Although it has some good features, I don't like the way Gigpro sounds, so I completely understand. In reality many preamps, like fdeck's HPF-Pre, which is an excellent unit BTW, can be easily modified to provide 9V phantom power. It usually just involves adding a resistor (around 10K) from the battery to the input jack. Perhaps fdeck would be willing to modify one of his preamps for you.

I also have to agree with Ric Vice about the GK MB150E vs. the MB150S. I've owned both, and the difference in sound is quite amazing. I really like the MB150S, although I know others prefer the MB150E.

[steve_n_his_urb]

My home-brew preamp which drives an electret mic uses exactly what Rob describes - a 10K resistor from the battery to the jack. it works brilliantly.

If altering FDecks preamp you may want to add a switch or jumper to disable phantom or at least a sticker to say there is 9V on the input. Just to avoid any surprises to someone who thinks it is standard unit.

p.s. we justhad our inaugural Newport Folk Festival on the weekend. Newport, Vic, Australia that is. I can tell you my 9V battery can handle at least 7-8 hours of playing with no loss of sound quality. The same cannot be said for my fingers.

[kurt]

I think the schertler pre A III provides 9 volt phantom. I use a stat-b and it takes 9 volt phantom. I have the stat-pre which also provides 9-volt phantom but has no eq. cheaper though.

Kurt.

[Standalone]

I got a hold of a Rane AP13 which has switchable phantom power-- I think it is 6 and 15 volts, or was it 9 and 15... you can find the manual on the rane site. Mine cost me $99, and it's a trs input piezo/mic pre with a seprate graphic eq, low cut filter and invert switch for each. Cool pre. Designed for acoustic 6 string, though, so takes some rolling off of the highs to sound good.

[jsbarber]

I have a Vektor pickup, with phantom power, (not the 9v battery version), and my recollection is that this unit requires 24 - 48 volts, not 9 volts. You can check with Toby Timber through his website and he can provide the specific requirements.

http://www.tobytimber.com/pickup_en.html

Toby is also a member of this forum:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/member.php?u=55646

Also, there is a thread on this pickup here at:

Toby Timber's Vektor pick up review

which you might want to check out, if you haven't already.

Jim

[After posting this I went to Toby's website, and he does say that the phantom power version operates on 9V. However, I did communicate directly with him before I bought mine and my recollection was that the range it required was more like 24-48V. I may be mistaken with this, as it differs from what is posted on his site. But I did buy the Vektor to use with a preamp that provides 48V phantom power after confering with Toby and have used it with this for some time, so the requirement is definitely not exactly 9V. I still recommend you contact Toby to get some clarification on what phantom power requirements really are.]

[tobytimber]

I was asked by Jim to clarify things regarding the phantom power needed for the Vektor pickup:
It will work with 2-10 volts. It won't work with 24 or 48 volts given by some amps on a three lead XLR. There are various preamps which work, the simplest is the little black box that comes with the K&K Golden bullet pickup. If you check on the K&K website you see that the standard preamp has a XLR output which can connect to an amp with phantom power which then powers the amp and feeds the pickup with its 9 volts. This is what Jim is talking about. There is also a special version with 1/4 jack output, this needs a 9volts battery.

Any more questions, please don't hesitate to contact me, either by email or here through talkbass.
By the way, check out the other Vektor thread about the new version.

[Standalone]

Rane AP-13

There is also an SP-13, similar, but designed for Chapman Stick!



Dedicated to the needs of the acoustic musician, the AP 13 Acoustic Processor is specifically suited for instruments with two pickups. The AP 13 provides two signal processing paths: one optimized for piezo pickups and one for microphone pickups. The piezo path features very high input impedance for extended low bass response; while the mic processing channel offers two choices of phantom power voltages satisfing most electret condenser mic pickups. Additionally, either channel accepts dynamic pickups or line-level outputs from outboard preamps.

A convenient front panel slide switch allows choice of which pickup is wired to the tip or the sleeve of the stereo 1/4" Input jack. Pickup Gain Trim controls feature large openings for quick changes using guitar picks, fingernails or coins, while remaining bump-proof. And separate pickup OverLoad indicators make gain set-up easy. Each pickup signal path contains an Invert switch, an adjustable Low Cut filter, a 7-band graphic equalizer, a Pan control and a separate Level control, all logically arranged along the front panel using smooth-acting oil-damped sliders for the ultimate in convenience and graphical feedback. The Invert switch solves the annoying (and too common) problem of what to do with pickups wired out-of-phase. The sliding Low Cut filter helps eliminate troublesome thumping, rumbling, rubbing and other unwanted infrasonic frequencies. The graphic equalizers give you separate timbre control over each individual pickup. The Pan and Level controls mix both pickups into one smooth stereo signal ready to drive the Send/Return effects loop, or the in-line Inserts. Two pair of high-current cross-coupled balanced stereo line drivers, Mono switchable, complete the processing chain. Choose between the stereo 1/4" line-level outputs to amplifiers or the stereo XLR mic-level outs to direct console patching, or use them both.

A powerful Headphone amplifier and Master Mute switch allow private auditioning and practice. The separate Tuner Output connects an external tuner for quick checks or changes during performance. When an auxiliary output is necessary, the separate Piezo Output with Level control perfectly satisfies the need.

The AP 13 Acoustic Preamplifer is all you ever dreamed of for perfect control of your acoustic instrument (years of practice not included).