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Post by Pueblo Audio on Aug 23, 2016 20:03:36 GMT -6
Greetings,
I have recently been commissioned to build a battery powered version of the Pueblo Audio JR preamp. The prototype has come out very cool. As it stands, I have a device which will supply beefy-to-spec phantom power or switch to a non-phantom, dc-coupled input for ribbons, etc.. Have similar performance as the JR series. Have available a transformer-balanced output and/or one transformerless quasi-balanced output. Both usable simultaneously, thus offering two flavors. 50 Hours battery life, including the mic load. I just did a test with a Schoeps passing pink noise at full load. Lasted through and beyond an entire weekend on the same battery charge! The price might be $500-$700 per channel, depending on options and sales potential. The cool thing is that, whether your recording rig is totally or partially battery powered, the floating preamp gives a lot of technical benefits as well as total freedom of preamp placement. No ground loops, etc to deal with.
I am inquiring now if there is a broader interest/market for such a unit. Potentially I might make a production run, even if on a limited scale.
What say you, RGO'ers? All thoughts welcome.
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Post by svart on Aug 25, 2016 20:34:35 GMT -6
I'm sure there are folks that can use this out there. Personally, I don't see how I could utilize it in my studio setup that would be worth it for me, but it sounds more like folks in film location/foley recording would be very interested in this to bypass the preamps in their field recorders. I've used a few top-end field recorders and have always felt that their preamp self-noise was too high for my personal liking, especially on quiet sets.
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,978 
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Post by ericn on Aug 25, 2016 20:44:38 GMT -6
The Jam band taper market is a fun little niche where this will get gobbled up. For years the Grace lunatech was the favorite.
I never understood micing a PA with a A stereo pair of Schoeps and a clean pre, but man those guys new how to spend money I was happy they spent it with me!
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Post by Pueblo Audio on Aug 26, 2016 12:56:37 GMT -6
The Jam band taper market is a fun little niche where this will get gobbled up. For years the Grace lunatech was the favorite. I never understood micing a PA with a A stereo pair of Schoeps and a clean pre, but man those guys new how to spend money I was happy they spent it with me! Cool, thanks for that Eric. You're the second person to share that insight. It was suggested to me to test the waters over at taperssection.com. |
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Post by Pueblo Audio on Aug 26, 2016 13:23:45 GMT -6
Thanks for those thoughts, Svart. Yes, location music recordists and film personnel will definitely be prime candidates for this device. However, a number of things come to my mind which may make this interesting for studio cats. I have continued to get requests for a 500 series version of the Pueblo Audio preamp. Unfortunately the 500 series standard cannot support the kind of performance I wish to deliver to clients. But what those requests say to me is that folks would like a Pueblo preamp in a…. 1) Single channel or two 2) Small Footprint 3) Lower entry cost The Battery powered version would meet all those conditions. I can think of a number of applications in the studio beyond mobility. How about anywhere one needs beautifully clean, floating gain with buku headroom. For example, as a gain make-up output stage for passive EQ or summing mixer; extreme low noise floor with zero mains a/c contamination. Also, I read a lot about folks using little add-on devices to lift the output of their ribbon mics or reduce hum they seem to be picking up. While I am sure this clears up some issues, its not the optimal solution. Its kind of like adding a second radiator to an over-heating engine. It masks the symptoms but does not address the real problem. With this battery pre, you can place it right at the mic and run back to the mixer/recorder at line level. Therefore less electronics, much less noise and higher fidelity. With 50-100 hours operation on a signal charge, one would not need to worry about running out of juice. It would not halt or disrupt sessions. |
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,978
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Post by ericn on Aug 26, 2016 14:29:28 GMT -6
Thanks for those thoughts, Svart. Yes, location music recordists and film personnel will definitely be prime candidates for this device. However, a number of things come to my mind which may make this interesting for studio cats. I have continued to get requests for a 500 series version of the Pueblo Audio preamp. Unfortunately the 500 series standard cannot support the kind of performance I wish to deliver to clients. But what those requests say to me is that folks would like a Pueblo preamp in a…. 1) Single channel or two 2) Small Footprint 3) Lower entry cost The Battery powered version would meet all those conditions. I can think of a number of applications in the studio beyond mobility. How about anywhere one needs beautifully clean, floating gain with buku headroom. For example, as a gain make-up output stage for passive EQ or summing mixer; extreme low noise floor with zero mains a/c contamination. Also, I read a lot about folks using little add-on devices to lift the output of their ribbon mics or reduce hum they seem to be picking up. While I am sure this clears up some issues, its not the optimal solution. Its kind of like adding a second radiator to an over-heating engine. It masks the symptoms but does not address the real problem. With this battery pre, you can place it right at the mic and run back to the mixer/recorder at line level. Therefore less electronics, much less noise and higher fidelity. With 50-100 hours operation on a signal charge, one would not need to worry about running out of juice. It would not halt or disrupt sessions. Putting on my consultant and former Gear pimp hat here. 500 is what 19 in was 25 years ago, in the age of top 10 hits recorded in somebody's bedroom space is a key factor , but it's got to be part of the standard. Battery means DC so some type of psu will work and make that a selling point! For the Gusy who want A battery unit a plug for outboard battery is a must. Film/ broadcast guys seam like a huge market but they are all about simplicity so not many are going to want a better pre! Try to find some guys involved in the nature recording area, small but quality seeking loyal niche! Good luck! |
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