Preamp/Mic swap question.

[vcriddler]

Currently I am recording with a Shure KSM27 which is hooked up to a M-Audio MobilePRE preamp which uses phantom power via USB hookup to my computer. I also record and mix with Pro Tools M-Powered. I record vocals and vocals only, and this setup has been okay for the past year or so but I am looking for a higher quality of sound (like everyone else).

I'm looking into purchasing a ADK TT Area51TT Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone and I was wondering if it would comply with my current preamp. The specs note that it requires a dedicated ADK power supply. Would the small mobilepre preamp not do the microphone justice?

Money is not an issue, so if I was to purchase an ADK preamp, would I still be able to use my m-powered protools?

Basically, what will I need to have my new microphone fully operational? Any help is greatly appriciated![/url]

[Guitarfreak]

Your mic gets pretty good reviews, what you want is a quality preamp or interface. Your current interface seems to be the weakest link in your chain.

[vcriddler]

Gotcha. Just a quick question then. If I swap out my M-audio interface for another, is there anything I can do to continue using my M-Powered Protools?

[Guitarfreak]

Why yes, there's a few things you can do. You can get a preamp to liven up your mic sound, but remember you will still probably lose some edge at your interface because it has a peak 16 bit/48k rate. So you won't be able to record at 24 bit or 96k like some good interfaces for not too much out there...(Cough, PreSonus, Cough). Hmm, excuse me. But I'm fairly certain that you cannot use a PreSonus product with ProTools. Can someone verify this for me? Usable interfaces with the different versions of Pro Tools. I don't use PT yet, but maybe once my classes force me to this info would be helpful. Thanks.

[jg49]

I don't think you can use that version of Protools except through M_audio equipment.

As far as the dedicated power supply the mic comes with it.

This interface does not have a preamp bypass input from what I can see so unlike some interfaces you can't just purchase a good pre and A/D it thru your unit. I think that if you are looking at a better preamp set up you are talking some serious money and a new interface or analog/digital converter which likely would come bundled with software. If you are dead set on protools that might limit your choices to manufacturers that are PT bundled or buy a seperate version of PT and should work with most gear.

[Guitarfreak]

jg49, at my school we use M-Powered and I'm fairly certain that the computers have MBox2's hooked up. How does that work? Does the MBox series work with all PT versions or what's up, cause I too thought that you needed an M-Audio face for M-Powered.

[jg49]

From the Digidesigns web page
"Projects created with Mbox 2 and Pro Tools LE software also open on Pro Tools|HD® and Pro Tools M-Powered™ systems — providing instant compatibility with countless Pro Tools®–equipped project and professional studio around the globe."

I don't use PT just what I heard, but I could have an ear infunction, Hueseph is a good source for this well versed in different DAWs. I am not, just vanilla Cubase for me, old and white, the vanilla that is.

[vcriddler]

I don't think you can use that version of Protools except through M_audio equipment.

As far as the dedicated power supply the mic comes with it.

This interface does not have a preamp bypass input from what I can see so unlike some interfaces you can't just purchase a good pre and A/D it thru your unit. I think that if you are looking at a better preamp set up you are talking some serious money and a new interface or analog/digital converter which likely would come bundled with software. If you are dead set on protools that might limit your choices to manufacturers that are PT bundled or buy a seperate version of PT and should work with most gear.

You're right. M-Powered protools is limited to using some sort of M-Audio interface. Not a biggie, I've been waiting to make the switch and like I said money is not a serious issue here.

Yeah, I already dropped 300 on the protools a few years ago and I've spent alot of time learning to tweak the program, but I have no problem making the move over to the beefier normal PT. I think I'll just need to do a bit of review searching to find what I want.

Thanks so much for the help guys

[Guitarfreak]

Yeah, I never got into the whole ProTools scene. I mean it's nice but it's just too much of a MicroShaft company. Like if you want to use it you need to use a specific interface and they are overpriced for what they are capable of compared to others. I really got into the Logic scene myself. Lot less money, still capable, comes with less plugs, but then again plugs don't make the sounds, you do.

[jg49]

I wish I could say money was no object, but its either the mortgage or recording equipment and as much as I love this stuff I have gotten used to sleeping indoors.