Beginning in a condenser mic thread, several folks have
been contributing ideas and input to a construction
project intended for use with ribbon or other low-output
mic's. The project pre-preamp needs to run on phantom
power and give 20dB of low-noise gain.

Initial attempts to build the electronics into an A3M/A3F
shell pair with mic cable between have been sobering. It
*can* be done, but nobody in their right mind would want
to spend the time and effort. And they seem so roomy when
you're only soldering in wire.....

Next I'm trying two chassis options. First, a Hammond
cast aluminum box, size 1590C, with two Neutrik NC3MD, two
NC3FD, and the electronics for two pre-preamps.

The alternate chassis I'm trying is the Switchcraft S3FM,
after a commercial design. Found a source!

In the cast box two channel design, we're trying hand-matched
2SK369 BL's. In the S3FM sleeve, we're trying a 2SK389 GR,
a monolithic (?) dualFET.

To the adventurous folks who've volunteered to test the
prototypes, thanks, and hang in there another week, to get
proper chassis in.

And to everyone, comments welcomed.
Thanks,


Chris Hornbeck