Please point me to a mic pre project

[RoadToNever]

Looking for a 1- or 2-channel mic pre with +48dB avaliable as a kit.

[stratus46]

Originally Posted by RoadToNever

Looking for a 1- or 2-channel mic pre with +48dB avaliable as a kit.

Always a good place to start - and maybe end.

Low Noise Balanced Microphone Preamp

He has other preamps but I use one similar to this and it works very well with my AKG condenser mics.

G²

[RoadToNever]

Looks like an awesome project, thanks!

[RoadToNever]

Found this That 1512 based kit: Dantimax (elektronik) - Preamps_-_poweramps Anyone have an idea of how it compares to the Elliot circuit?

[stratus46]

Originally Posted by RoadToNever

Found this That 1512 based kit: Dantimax (elektronik) - Preamps_-_poweramps Anyone have an idea of how it compares to the Elliot circuit?

My guess is it may be quieter and better balanced unless you select the resistors and transistors on the Elliot circuit. I've been thinking of replacing my preamp (now 29 years old) with something like the Dantimax.

G²

[RoadToNever]

Do you mean the Elliot kit can perform better with something different than the specified 2N4403 and BC549? Maybe a LT1351 would be an improvement over TL071? Basically I'm trying to determine which project would be a cleaner pre. The mics I plan to use are a pair of small diaphragm condensers initially, down the line some DIY electrets and dynamic mics. I'll be using Canare or Mogami starquad to connect to my PC interface. What AKGs do you have BTW? Cheers!

[stratus46]

Originally Posted by RoadToNever

Do you mean the Elliot kit can perform better with something different than the specified 2N4403 and BC549? Maybe a LT1351 would be an improvement over TL071? Basically I'm trying to determine which project would be a cleaner pre. The mics I plan to use are a pair of small diaphragm condensers initially, down the line some DIY electrets and dynamic mics. I'll be using Canare or Mogami starquad to connect to my PC interface. What AKGs do you have BTW? Cheers!

No, just matching the components in the front end, not just using the first 2 out of the bag. And yes, many opamps are better than the TL071.

The Dantimax is likely better and doesn't require any selection as the IC was computer trimmed during manufacture of the chip.

My AKGs are C451EBs with CK22 cardioid capsules. I use Canare and Neumann cables.

You might want to add hard limiting to the preamp output so as not to damage the PC input in the event of severe overload. The PC wants less than 5 Vp-p while the preamp can put out 25.

G²

[SY]

THAT1512 (or SSM2019) works really well- the Dantimax kit is probably a good option. I would also check the next issue of Linear Audio for Scott Wurcer's mike pre; we used it for some recordings here and it's outstandingly quiet.

[majerjack]

You might check out Paul J. Stamler's Jensen transformer input class A design. It was originally published in Recording magazine and is available free of charge at www.recordingmag.com. Look for "The Solid-State Mic Preamp".

I have read good things about designs based upon the Burr-Brown preamplifier chips (INA163 and INA217) and those by THAT (1510/1512). Go to the Texas Instruments and THAT Corporation sites and check their application notes for those parts.

If you are very adventuresome, look for Paul J. Stamler's tube mic pre design, published in audioXpress as "Big Mike and the Jimmy" in the February/March/April 2002 issues.

Take a look also at the designs at www.fivefishstudios.com. They offer complete kits in various configurations.

[RoadToNever]

Originally Posted by stratus46

My AKGs are C451EBs with CK22 cardioid capsules. I use Canare and Neumann cables.

You might want to add hard limiting to the preamp output so as not to damage the PC input in the event of severe overload. The PC wants less than 5 Vp-p while the preamp can put out 25.

Those look like nice mics. I love the hard limiter idea!

Originally Posted by SY

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Originally Posted by majerjack

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Thank, guys. I have no skills in circuit and board design but Scott Wurcer's circuits caught my interest. Is this it? Linear Audio | your tech audio resource Would it be compareable to the Elliot and Dantimax projects in terms of simplicity and parts cost?