[Rodney Morris]

Just a little clarification – a preamp and an audio interface (A/D) are two different animals. An outboard audio interface often contains a preamp. A preamp simply takes the mic level signal that is output from your microphone and turns it into a line level signal. The manner in which it accomplishes this task is what makes the price differences (I’m way over-simplifying. Please forgive me if I insult your intelligence). An audio interface (or A/D – analog to digital converter) is what takes your analog, and sometimes digital, signal and gets it into your computer so it can be manipulated. Therefore, if you are using Adobe Audition then you need some type of audio interface, be it a sound card, or an outboard device. The Tascam FireOne is an outboard audio interface with a preamp built in. It also appears to be a work surface of sorts. Those buttons on the Tascam can be assigned specific tasks within your DAW’s (Digital Audio Workstation) software – in your case, Adobe Audition. There are other preamp/interface combos available in your price range. There may even be some preamp/interface/work surface combos available as well. The Aphex 207, while a good preamp, is not an audio interface.

So the question is, do you have an audio interface for Adobe Audition?

[Rodney Morris]

I think a few questions may be in order. What are you recording to? DAT, HD recorder, DAW…? If you are using a DAW, then we need to know if you have an audio interface (that converts your analog mic/line signal into digital). If you have an audio interface that has XLR (or even 1/4″) inputs, then a preamp with firewire outputs is not that big of an advantage. I don’t think the D/A (digital to analog converters) in a preamp in this price range will be any better than the D/A on most entry level audio interfaces. If you are using a DAW that doesn’t have an integrated audio interface, then a preamp like you mentioned (with FW) would be appropriate, though there are other mic preamp choices in that price range (sub $500).

[Rodney Morris]

I’ve used the VP-88 in the past for field stereo recordings, but never as a VO mic. Doesn’t mean it can’t be done, but there are much better choices for vo mics.

The AKG C414 is good mic, which I used for years until I tried the Neuman TLM103. However the 103 lacks pickup pattern flexibility (cardioid only) and is a bit too sibilant for many female voices. Some of the best VO I’ve heard was recorded using a Sennheiser MKH416 (overhead mic placement). Heck, in a pinch, you could even use a Shure SM57 (with windscreen) and get very acceptable results.

[Rodney Morris]

I can’t necessarily give a model recommendation, but I wouldn’t think of using a mult-box that didn’t have tranformer isolated outputs. A lot of the cheaper mult-boxes don’t have transformer iso’d outs and therefore can allow buzzes and hums to invade all the audio outs if one person connects with power (ground) issues. I know cost is an issue, but some things are worth the extra $$$.

Whirlwind makes a passive press box that takes a line level input and distributes it into 6,12 or 24 (depending on model) mic level, transformer isolated outs. This would probably be an affordable box that may suit there needs. It’s less flexible than I would like but would probably work for budget-minded customers.

[Rodney Morris]

Hey Bob,
Sorry I’m late to this thread, but I just registered today. I agree that the Schoeps MK-41 was one of the best purchases I ever made. Wonderful mic. I use the CMC6 powersupply. It sounds as if you are using the Schoeps as a doc camera mic, correct? PSC makes an inline adapter (48V to 12T) that doesn’t use batteries, as far as I know – I’ve not used it. And yes I would most definitely use the cut filter on a camera mic. I just recently had to put my Schoeps into action as a camera mic and the cut filter would have been much appreciated. I use the sweepable cut filter on my mixer (Sound Devices 442) instead of using the Schoeps filter. If you want to sell your CMC4U, you can try Trew Audio’s used equipment dept. I’ve noticed alot of 12T power supplies there in the past. I would probably try the PSC before I got rid of the CMC4U. It may be a little bulky, but it would save you hundreds of $. It depends on what is most important to you – cost or convenience?