At 10:31 AM -0500 09/21/01, J. Larry Hendry wrote:
>
>It seems to me that when there was significant discussion on the list
>concerning a pre-amp that it was not so much about the characteristics of a
>pre-amp as it was just people wanting to match line levels with their MOTM
>stuff.
As you know, line level already matches MOTM, as MOTM is about 14dBu. I
use line level with my MOTM all the time and have had absolutely no
problems.
>People want to hook up their guitars and microphones and line levels
>synths and such. So, maybe what we need is something simple in a 1U
>>package to do just that. I think that was the idea behind a separate
>>preamp. Then, one input can be optimized for guitar impedance, one for
>>line level signals and one for guitar signals since each signal has its
>own >unique need.
This is true. A mic pre and a direct box for a guitar are two different
things. As such, each of these devices has different expectations as to
the features available. A mic pre should have balanced XLR inputs and
phantom power. An active direct box can often has overdrive. Nevermind
features like high-pass filters, ground lift, and variable impedance.
Considering the variety of devices on the market, many of which are very
application specific or have a distinct sonic characteristic, no one
pre-amp can be all things to all people, and in all likelihood, most MOTM
owners have already chosen their favorites.
>Certainly anyone in need of simply boosting their line level or guitar
>>level signal up to MOTM level could DIY a simple op amp circuit with gain
>>if they are into DIY at all.
I agree, although more importantly, anyone who owns a guitar or microphone
should already have gear to get the signal up to line-livel.
>I am not saying an envelope follower should not have a pre-amp. But, I can
>see the logic for a stand alone unit with more features (mic balanced
>>input, phantom power, specific guitar impedance match input) than you
>would >find on a simple pre-amp added to another module function would
>support.
I think adding enough input gain, perhaps wired so that more gain would be
a lower input impedance, would be a quick solution for those who want to
plug directly into the envelope follower. However, I do not know if there
is knob space.
I believe as it stands now, the envelope follower is a 2U module. Another
option would be to develop two 1U modules: an envelope follower/compressor
based on THAT technology, and a separate window comparator module with a
gate output.
I remember Paul S. saying something to the effect that he isn't out to
compete with Manley or Avalon, and I agree with him. I'm not doubting his
incredible skill as a designer, it's just that competing products at that
level often cost over $1000. As it stands now, each individual MOTM module
is higher-quality and a better value than any other product on the market
that performs a similar function. If MOTM comes out with a pre-amp, this
will no longer be true, as using a better, albeit more expensive, pre-amp
from another manufacturer will always be an option.