Model 12: Using A Hardware Pre-amp - Connecting and Configuring

[shredd]

Gotcha. Good on you for doing some homework/research/planning.
But think about it...shoot, you could get BOTH sets of cables, so you can try different configs. Don't worry about owning unused/"wasted" cables - in my studio, I have a cable for just about any possible connection I need/want to make, so that never holds me back.

 

[Mark Richards]

Model 12: Using A Hardware Pre-amp - Connecting and Configuring
Would someone kindly list/illustrate how to connect the following?
I am confused about cables, settings, and phantom power (thinking double 48v is probably not good).
Note: I haven't used hardware since the 90s. I'm very rusty.

1. Condenser Mic
2. Hardware Pre-Amp

...I'll be using a Summit Audio 2BA-221 (pic attached). It has XLR at +4 and 1/4-inch at -10 and there's also an insert. I'm wondering if that insert allows me to connect Model 12 to this pre--amp using a simple TRS Cable...

...I will be using an external pre amp and compressor. My research indicates that I have options...

...My M12 arrives Tuesday. I am trying to order the cables and have a plan beforehand.

(It would have been most helpful had you provided in your initial post the above information and below pre-amp specs so we would have a clear picture of the situation.)

So, to summarize for the benefit of others who may land here in the future:

According to the pre-amp's OM, page 7 & 8:
1/4” TRS Balanced Line Level Output
This is a -10dB, balanced 1/4” output designed to interface with your recording device, compressor or EQ.

+4 Balanced Output
This is a balanced, low impedance XLR output connection compatible with professional recording and audio equipment.

Insert
The insert jack allows you to insert a processing device, such as a compressor, after the highpass filter and before the vacuum tube stage...Refer to the block diagram on page 14.

---------------------------------------------------------
"Line Level" ="High Impedance" = "TRS/Insert" = gear = "TRS cable" = "Phantom power not available"
"Low Impedance" = "XLR" = microphones = "XLR cable" = "Ony apply Phantom power once"

"Signal Flow" options:
(a) Mic to Pre-amp XLR input jack; pre-amp TRS output jack to compressor; Compressor output jack to Model 12 TRS combo jack; or

(b) Mic to Pre-amp XLR input jack; to compressor via pre-amp TRS Insert jack; pre-amp TRS output jack to Model 12 TRS combo jack; or

(c) Mic to Pre-amp XLR input jack; pre-amp XLR output jack to Model 12 XLR combo jack. Apply phantom power either from the pre-amp or the Model 12.

...compressor side chained/connected directly to pre

"Side-chaining" is the use of another separate signal source to control the compression of the main signal coming into the compressor. Thus my question: "why you would want/need to do that in your particular situation?"

 

[Max Relic]

Max,
Would you opt to place the hardware compressor side-chained with the pre-amp or inserted in channel 1 or 2 of M12?

Inserted in standalone preamp.
Sidechain is a configuration where the dynamics of an instrument is used to dynamically modulate the dynamics of another signal, i.e. a keyboard pad is rhythmically compressed following the bass drum peaks. Don't know if it is what you have in mind, anyway "sidechain" is a different thing than "insert" (or serial processing).

You mentioned going either XLR to TRS or XLR to XLR, but is TRS to TRS an option worth considering?

Listed options are high-to-low priority depending on impedance and level match.
The SA preamp TRS out has a nominal level of -10dB, so if you choose to pick the signal from there you will likely need to raise Gain on the Model 12. Yes, you can go this way as long as the noise floor is acceptable to you.

You also mentioned, "all the heavy lifting has taken place on the outboard gear." I watched a YouTube vid whereby the producer maxes out levels on outboard gear, then starts really low on M12 and gently raises to optimal level. Does this seem like a good way to work?
Many thanks,
Tommy

I suggest doing a search with "gain staging" to learn how to set up levels in a signal path. The forum has many interesting articles to read.

 

[shredd]

suggest doing a search with "gain staging" to learn how to set up levels in a signal path

“Gain staging: Learn It. Know It. Live It.”

 

[Max Relic]

@shredd

suggest doing a search with "gain staging" to learn how to set up levels in a signal path

“Gain staging: Learn It. Know It. Live It.”

...and why not, "Breathe It!"

 

[shredd]

Maybe - some things are as important to studio mastery as breathing…gain staging, routing, yada…whutz that called - “double-tracking”?!?

There’s a reason there’s only ever been a handful of Alan Parsons and Bob Clearmountain’s and Bob Ludwig’s and Brian Eno’s in the world…like I always say: studio mastery ain’t like makin’ pudding!

 

[Max Relic]

studio mastery ain’t like makin’ pudding!

Yep, it's more like cooking ("add compression and EQ to taste...")