|
|
Post by cowboycoalminer on Feb 7, 2014 20:55:27 GMT -6
Just picked up one of these to drive my R-84 and I got to say my jaw hit the floor on the first take. I had been using the 73 mainly with these mics but I was never really satisfied with the signal to noise ratio. I really don't understand what the difference is in these "ribbon" pres but it has effectively turned this R-84 into a total tone machine. I can still get the ribbon warmth if I want but then it will go all the way to a crisp, almost condenser type sound. And I mean a damn good one that rivals some of my best condenser mics. Amazed.
Anybody else have similar experiences with ribbon pres?
|
|
|
|
Post by RicFoxx on Feb 8, 2014 7:15:17 GMT -6
Just picked up one of these to drive my R-84 and I got to say my jaw hit the floor on the first take. I had been using the 73 mainly with these mics but I was never really satisfied with the signal to noise ratio. I really don't understand what the difference is in these "ribbon" pres but it has effectively turned this R-84 into a total tone machine. I can still get the ribbon warmth if I want but then it will go all the way to a crisp, almost condenser type sound. And I mean a damn good one that rivals some of my best condenser mics. Amazed. Anybody else have similar experiences with ribbon pres? Glad you posted this…I was about to pull the trigger on one for my R84. My board pres amazingly are almost dead quiet but midrange heavy so not a great match, Capi was a little noisy. On another note, the Kush Clariphonic sounds great with the R84 just opening up the top of the mic. |
|
|
|
Post by henge on Feb 8, 2014 8:09:04 GMT -6
I was looking at one of these for my R92...
|
|
|
|
Post by unit7 on Feb 8, 2014 8:38:38 GMT -6
Just picked up one of these to drive my R-84 and I got to say my jaw hit the floor on the first take. I had been using the 73 mainly with these mics but I was never really satisfied with the signal to noise ratio. I really don't understand what the difference is in these "ribbon" pres but it has effectively turned this R-84 into a total tone machine. I can still get the ribbon warmth if I want but then it will go all the way to a crisp, almost condenser type sound. And I mean a damn good one that rivals some of my best condenser mics. Amazed. Anybody else have similar experiences with ribbon pres? I went the Cloudlifter route, partly because a couple of (old) studios I work in has phantom power from the wall boxes, and not possible to switch off  , so 1) ribbons see the proper impedance from the Cloudlifter (which affects the sound just as I believe the RPQ does), 2) never sees phantom power, and 3) get 15-20dBs clean and quiet gain lift before the preamp. A note on the Cloudlifter with variable Z - I have two of these (+ four of the standard) and tested on my Coles, RCA44As and other vintage lo impedance (I believe like 50-200Ω) RCA ribbons that Stephen Sank has fixed for me. Everytime I dialed in what I felt was the optimal setting on the Cloudlifter Z and then compared to the standard Cloudlifter they sounded the same or very close. So for the old ribbons no need for the variable Z IMO. |
|
|
|
Post by cowboycoalminer on Feb 8, 2014 9:37:04 GMT -6
Good info, unit7 I have a couple of cheap versions of the Cloudlifter and as these did bring the noise floor down, they're still nowhere near this pre though. I looked and the RPQ is set to 10k ohm. Evidently the higher impedance is perfectly matched for these mics. Gonna order another Monday to round out the pair. And I'm very excited to try these pres on my tube condensers as well. Just can't seem to pry away from the ribbon though  |
|
|
|
Post by mulmany on Feb 8, 2014 10:44:45 GMT -6
You could also look at the Shinybox si pre. I have talked to Jon about it, but still have not pulled the trigger on a pair.
|
|
|
|
Post by grummy on Feb 8, 2014 12:44:34 GMT -6
I'm considering getting a pair of these not only for my ribbons but just to have as my ultra quiet & clean option. For a while I've been thinking I want a pair of quality pres to fit this bill. Just often putting it off thinking it'll need to be a potentially heavy investment. Up until looking at these guys I thought the Forssell SMP-500 would be the most inexpensive way there. Unless going 19".
But I read before that Forssell had a hand designing the early incarnations of the RPQ-500. So it incorporates his unique j-fet design. Which from my little understanding is a big part of how these pres are capable of delivering such a large amount quiet and clean gain.
I'm curious to hear more folks thoughts, feedback, and reviews of these. But at the prices they go for I ought to really just try one out myself.
|
|
|
|
Post by cowboycoalminer on Feb 8, 2014 15:15:47 GMT -6
I don't think you'll be disappointed grummy. The 19 inch runs on 17v rails and has a slightly lower noise floor I'm told, 0.5 db. If your going for a pair this option might be for you. I'm running out of rack space here so I'm satisfied  |
|
|
|
Post by watchtower on Feb 8, 2014 16:39:38 GMT -6
Those ribbon mic pres have a really high input impedance. Creates a better impedance bridge than your '73. Like 10kohm versus 1.5kohm, roughly. I'm glad it sounds sweet. My AEA R44CE is pretty dark.
Are you getting the condenser-type sound with just the pre or normal settings, or are you boosting the highs on the pre tone control?
|
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Feb 8, 2014 17:04:16 GMT -6
I really want a nice ribbon...I might put my Heritage Jr. up in the classifieds to buy one...I love it, but I've really found a sweet spot with the Helios on vox and the Capi Heider on AG's and EG's...so, it's not getting a lot of use.
|
|
|
|
Post by cowboycoalminer on Feb 8, 2014 17:10:56 GMT -6
Those ribbon mic pres have a really high input impedance. Creates a better impedance bridge than your '73. Like 10kohm versus 1.5kohm, roughly. I'm glad it sounds sweet. My AEA R44CE is pretty dark. Are you getting the condenser-type sound with just the pre or normal settings, or are you boosting the highs on the pre tone control? Well that's the thing with this pre. With the eq's out, you still get that nice warm ribbon character without the noise. With the high boost and low cut, it performs much like a condenser. And the everything in between. It's really sweet. |
|
, so 1) ribbons see the proper impedance from the Cloudlifter (which affects the sound just as I believe the RPQ does), 2) never sees phantom power, and 3) get 15-20dBs clean and quiet gain lift before the preamp.
