So, I was reading the thread about a preamp for a ribbon mic. Beagle suggested the P-Solo which looks really good but isn't in my budget right now. I am thinking about trying a Triton Audio Fethead. Seems it uses the 48v phantom power from your interface to add gain inline between the mic and the input while insulating the mic from the 48v powe. http://www.tritonaudio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=4&id=17&Itemid=33 I think for me, it will do the job. I would get enough gain to run the ribbon mic without maxing the input gain on the Octa-Capture inputs and protect the mic from the phantom power. It looks good and is affordable.

Still... When using a ribbon mic will I also need a power supply for a ribbon mic? I am confused about this. Also I would love any tips or comments about the Fethead. 

Thanks

J

Ribbon mics are passive or active.

- The traditional passive model doesn't need any power, but will demand a lot of gain from your preamp (an audio interface pre is likely to be inadequate for quieter sources. For drums or guitar cabs, you should be okay). 
- An active model (a recent invention AFAIK) uses 48V phantom power to drive a preamp circuit inside the mic (like a condenser) that produces a stronger signal so you don't need to add so much gain afterwards. 

Spot on explanation, Sven.

Active ribbons cost a little more but may end up saving you money by not requiring you to buy a new preamp.

bitflipper


Spot on explanation, Sven.

Thanks, uncle Dave




Purists seem to say, however, that active ribbons aren't true to the ribbon philosophy and tend to sound more 'modern'. I would't know since I've only ever had access to passive ones (Coles 4038 and Royer 121).

Spot on explanation, Sven. Active ribbons cost a little more but may end up saving you money by not requiring you to buy a new preamp.

 
Thanks Seth...
 
Bit, since I already bought a passive mic I think I will try the Fethead inline power.
 
J
 
 

Haha, I misunderstood your question completely! I thought you were talking about the (Cascade) FAThead ribbon microphone (didn't check the link). The Fethead device seems like a gadget that could come in handy in many situations!

There is also a unit called the Cloudlifter and the people that make the Fethead also make a "phantom power blocker"... it allows the signal through but blocks the phantom power from an interface from reaching the mic (or preamp). The Fetheat and the Blocker are bothinline untis with a male and female XLR. I am not sure which would be best. The mic is a low end MXL R144.. I would like to use it on vocals. My voice tends to be soft, more in the tenor or alto range, and due to some seperation between my vocal chords my voice has become a little more "airy" over the years.
I am hoping that a ribbon mic will sound good on my voice. I don't think I will need anything extra if I use it to mic a guitar cab.

I have a cloudlifter that I use on a Golden age R1 MKII and it makes it sound like gold! Without the cloudlifter I thought about returning the mic, now with it I love the sound the two produce.

If you get the fethead  let me know how it works out for you.

If you get the fethead let me know how it works out for you.

 
I will. I just have no idea which to get but I'll figure it out.
 
Thanks!
 
J