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Double Bass Phantom power

Norre

Norre

Jan 5, 2001
465
49
51
Antwerp, Belgium
users.telenet.be
#1
Hey guys,

Normally I use a K&K Bass Max with the Fdeck pre to the mixing board during rehearsals. I'd like to buy the DPA mic, but our mixing board (it's a small one) doesn't have phantom power. So, do I need a pre-amp like the Headway or are there other alternatives? Maybe a dedicated mic pre-amp instead of a mixer? Or maybe a unit that only provide phantom power ... does that exist?

Thanks,

KN
 
#2
Norre said:
Hey guys,

Normally I use a K&K Bass Max with the Fdeck pre to the mixing board during rehearsals. I'd like to buy the DPA mic, but our mixing board (it's a small one) doesn't have phantom power. So, do I need a pre-amp like the Headway or are there other alternatives? Maybe a dedicated mic pre-amp instead of a mixer? Or maybe a unit that only provide phantom power ... does that exist?

Thanks,

KN
Click to expand...

Norre,
The Headway EDB-1 is a very nice box with all kinds of controls. But if you're looking for something less expensive there are a hole plethora of small phantom power boxes. ART makes one that's pretty nice.

Ric
 
#3
Hey Ric,

I'm not really looking for a cheaper solution, but a good one. I've read the threads about the DPA and Headway, and some people say the 18V phantom power isn't enough for the DPA. Other's say it is enough. Kinda confusing. I'd regret spending 229€ (= the price in Europe) for a pre-amp that don't give me the optimal power for the mic and ofc I'm not gonna buy an expensive mic if I can't power it properly. That's kinda like buying a Maserati with a Beatle's engine in it :(
 
#4
Norre said:
Hey Ric,

I'm not really looking for a cheaper solution, but a good one. I've read the threads about the DPA and Headway, and some people say the 18V phantom power isn't enough for the DPA. Other's say it is enough. Kinda confusing. I'd regret spending 229€ (= the price in Europe) for a pre-amp that don't give me the optimal power for the mic and ofc I'm not gonna buy an expensive mic if I can't power it properly. That's kinda like buying a Maserati with a Beatle's engine in it :(
Click to expand...

I've been thinking about the same thing.

Since I have a 2 channel amp, a pre that is capable of blending is not so important to me, but 48 V phantom power and quality is.

I'm considering one of these;

Invalid Link Removed

http://www.frontendaudio.com/Black-Lion-Audio-Auteur-Preamp-p/9999-06272.htm

any comments or experiences?

Bri
 
#5
Norre said:
Hey Ric,

I'm not really looking for a cheaper solution, but a good one. I've read the threads about the DPA and Headway, and some people say the 18V phantom power isn't enough for the DPA. Other's say it is enough. Kinda confusing. I'd regret spending 229€ (= the price in Europe) for a pre-amp that don't give me the optimal power for the mic and ofc I'm not gonna buy an expensive mic if I can't power it properly. That's kinda like buying a Maserati with a Beatle's engine in it :(
Click to expand...

Norre,
I have two Walter Woods amps a MI-400-8 and a Walter Woods Electro Acoustic Blue Light. So, I guess that you could say my amps are in that Maserati class, there even racing red! From my perspective, just like you I questioned the difference in voltage, it's significant, but frankly the 4099 sounds great with the Headway EDB-1 and I've been sending the Headway to the power amp sections of either of the Woods amps with great results, the pre amp in the Headway IMHO is equal to Walter's,not the same mind you but equally useful and musical. So that's my take. Just my take, though.

Ric
 
#6
Norre said:
Hey Ric,

I'm not really looking for a cheaper solution, but a good one. I've read the threads about the DPA and Headway, and some people say the 18V phantom power isn't enough for the DPA. Other's say it is enough. Kinda confusing. I'd regret spending 229€ (= the price in Europe) for a pre-amp that don't give me the optimal power for the mic and ofc I'm not gonna buy an expensive mic if I can't power it properly. That's kinda like buying a Maserati with a Beatle's engine in it :(
Click to expand...

Phantom power that doesn't supply 48v would be a deal breaker for me. It may not be required for every mic but not including it is very poor design at best and downright irresponsible at worst. There is absolutely NO reason to not include it. Sooner or later, 18v or whatever it has will come back and bite you in the ass.


bob
 

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