2012/09/11 00:04:37
silvercn
Hi - what mic pre is good for a ribbon mic?? (I realize I cannot mess with phatom power). - a MXL R144
 
Thanks !
2012/09/11 00:44:05
AT
You need more gain for a ribbon than a condenser or dynamic.  And since ribbons have a natural roll off of highs, you probably want a preamp that doesn't dim the highs or emphasis the lows.

I just added a mxl 40 to my home batch - same mic as the 144 basically.  It sounded good through a RND Portico.  I have a Warm preamp and that seemed to exagerate the lows - probably not a good choice tho maybe on bass ...  The Focusrite ISA seemed like a very good choice.  High gain, clean gain w/ a hint of transformer thickening (not really necessary w/ the 40, tho) and the various impedance settings let you match to your ribbon.  And the cheapest of the bunch - I got mine for $400 and they go for less on the internet if you look there.  The ISA One is a great all arounder preamp, esp. if you are starting out.  I don't know why more people don't brag on it.  It works well on most sounds.

For less money I'm not sure.  The Gap, like the Warm, probably has too much mojo, and I would be wary of any cheaper "color" preamps.  A Rane might work but I don't know how much the new ones go for.  The M-Audio is a duo for about $200 and has a goodly amount of gain, but I've never worked directly w/ it on a ribbon or anything else.  It is something I would look at in the lower price range.  Even your interface's preamps, if they have 60 dB or more of gain should work.  The sound is in the ribbon more than the preamp for ribbon mics.  It just takes a bit to drive it.

@
2012/09/11 04:21:02
Bristol_Jonesey
The ISA One is a great all arounder preamp, esp. if you are starting out.  I don't know why more people don't brag on it.  It works well on most sounds.


+1

I use mine for recording ribbon mic without issue. Plenty of clean gain available
2012/09/11 21:30:40
quantumeffect
I have 3 ribbon mic’s … an AEA R92 and 2 Beyerdynamic’s M160’s.

There are 2 units at Sweetwater for under a grand.  The True Systems (the one Beagle posted) and the AEA Ribbon pre.

I went a slightly different route and did some long term planning/budgeting.  I acquired a Lunchbox and then bought 2 Grace m501’s for the Lunchbox (over a fairly long stretch of time).

The AEA and the Beyerdynamics sound fantastic through the Grace pre’s.
2012/09/12 12:07:38
M@ B
CloudLifter is designed to give an under powered pre a 20+ db boost of transparent gain and are also advantageous for ribbons b/c they do not allow 48V to pass. If you have more than one pre that is under powered for ribbons, but still have a tone would liek to use, they would become an option for you, so it can potentially really expand your options and make more use of your existing pres.
2012/09/12 14:02:12
wst3
Grace, True Systems, and AEA are all good choices.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can search eBay for a used SPL Micman. I have one, and I use it for my ribbon microphones. Plenty of gain, and almost as neutral as the Grace. A whole lot less painful on the wallet as well<G>!
2012/09/12 19:08:36
IK Obi
Do you have a budget?
2012/09/15 18:52:37
bapu
IK Obi


Do you have a budget?

HaHaHaHa HaHaHaHa HaHaHaHa HaHaHaHa HaHaHaHa HaHaHaHa HaHaHaHa HaHaHaHa
2012/09/15 18:54:35
bapu
quantumeffect

The AEA sound fantastic through the Grace pre’s. 

+1.59786875687


I have the AEA R84 and a Grace M101.
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