Ribbon mic preamp

[Hardtoe]

I've got a fethead I would sell if anyone is interested...

[Silent Sound]

Originally Posted by FastRedPonyCar

This thread is relevant to my interests.

I just got my first ribbon (Apex 205 soon hopefully to be modded) and I'm currently sending it into my Focusrite Saffire 40. It's a very dark mic and I'm wondering if a dedicated ribbon preamp would make much of a difference vs only using the fethead?

The FetHead's price tag is certainly nice but I'm wondering if something like the AEA TRP would be a better investment since I'm wanting to add a 2nd ribbon in the future.

Or should I just get the fethead and see what I think and then go from there?

By it's nature, the 205 is a really dark sounding mic (as are most ribbon mics). The FET head has a pretty high impedance on it (I think someone said 22kOhms) , and while I've not used one, it should, in theory, open up the sound of the mic a bit, making it seem a little less dark.

I'd just go with the FET head for now. The dedicated ribbon mic pre would be nice, but I don't think you'd see a jump in sound quality with the Apex 205 big enough to justify the price. I would even consider getting a better all around pre, before looking at one specifically designed for ribbon mics. But that's my opinion.

[dickiefunk]

Originally Posted by Vivalarte

So Finally my Focusrite Isa One has arrived and I had a chance to check it with Oktava ml 52-02.In my opinion Fet Head makes hell lot of a difference.Without Fet head this Excellent Preamp while setting gain to high
gives You some noise.
With other condensers ie AKG c2000B and Rode NT1a Focusrite in terms of power is suficient, so being so clean does not need Fet-Head.
So far I am happy with the choice however I will still consider Ribbon dedicated Preamps.

Hi,

Did you find using the fethead with the ISA One reduced the noise when using your ribbon mic?