AEA R88 into AEA TRP or API A2D?

[Bobby Lynn]

Greetings: This is my first thread, so please show a little mercy! I'm planning to record an acoustic/vocal album using the AEA R88 stereo ribbon mic. There will be no other mic, no overdubs, no mixer and no computer! I'll play and sing at the same time (what a concept!), and the mic will record the take. I'll play a 1968 Gibson Dove, a Martin D-16 Beck Signature, a Larrivee J-10 12-string and maybe even a G String tenor ukulele. I'll be recording directly into a Tascam DA-45HR 24 bit DAT deck. So here's my question: Should I get the AEA TRP mic pre and simply connect that to the analog inputs of the DAT (thus utilizing the 24 bit Burr Brown AD converter in the DAT deck) OR should I get the API A2D and connect its AES output to the AES input of the DAT deck, thus avoiding the internal converters in the DAT deck? ALSO, will the API's 65 dBs of gain be enough for this ribbon mic? The mastering facility will add compression, eq, reverb, etc. I know the AEA TRP is specifically designed for ribbon mics, so I suspect it will sound excellent. But will the converter in the DAT deck do it justice? I hear the the converters in the API A2D are outstanding, and the mic pres are hailed by many as among the very best. Plus it's sexy looking. (which doesn't mean a thing...) So what do your say, fellow GS's??? I look forward to your feedback. All the best, Bobby

[Doc Mixwell]

Originally Posted by Bobby Lynn

Greetings: This is my first thread, so please show a little mercy! I'm planning to record an acoustic/vocal album using the AEA R88 stereo ribbon mic. There will be no other mic, no overdubs, no mixer and no computer! I'll play and sing at the same time (what a concept!), and the mic will record the take. I'll play a 1968 Gibson Dove, a Martin D-16 Beck Signature, a Larrivee J-10 12-string and maybe even a G String tenor ukulele. I'll be recording directly into a Tascam DA-45HR 24 bit DAT deck. So here's my question: Should I get the AEA TRP mic pre and simply connect that to the analog inputs of the DAT (thus utilizing the 24 bit Burr Brown AD converter in the DAT deck) OR should I get the API A2D and connect its AES output to the AES input of the DAT deck, thus avoiding the internal converters in the DAT deck? ALSO, will the API's 65 dBs of gain be enough for this ribbon mic? The mastering facility will add compression, eq, reverb, etc. I know the AEA TRP is specifically designed for ribbon mics, so I suspect it will sound excellent. But will the converter in the DAT deck do it justice? I hear the the converters in the API A2D are outstanding, and the mic pres are hailed by many as among the very best. Plus it's sexy looking. (which doesn't mean a thing...) So what do your say, fellow GS's??? I look forward to your feedback. All the best, Bobby

Hi Bobby,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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Thought I would chime in for you here. I think in either situation, you really can't go wrong with either setup. I DO think that having the A2D will be a benefit to the overall sonic quality of the analog signal going to your DAT. If you have better conversion going in, the final result will be improved. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Also, 65 dB of gain should be more than enough for tracking solo acoustic GTR and vocals with the R88. I would also imagine that there is an input gain control on the DAT, so you might be able to bring the entire level up if you have maxed out the pre's gain, which I might venture to say would clip the inputs of the DAT!<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
You would be fine to feed analog signal into your DAT machine from a really high quality setup such as the AEA R88 and TRP, you will get a great sound from the that setup. To maintain the clarity and depth, it would be wise to put a better converter in front of the DAT machine; however, the converter in the DAT should be sufficient for your needs right now. <o:p></o:p>
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My recommendation would be to go with a really great front end analog chain, for now, and think about upgrading your converter for the future.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
peace<o:p></o:p>
mixwell<o:p></o:p>

[Petimar]

If you get the TRP, you'll like it. Made a big difference o how all my ribbons sounded.

[Bobby Lynn]

Thanks, Adam & Petimar. I'm really feeling torn about this choice. Would anyone else like to offer an opinion? It would be greatly appreciated. All the best,