Based on a post by Scott Dorsey in another thread...

We track everything through the Angela! The
problem is I like ribbon mics too! And the Angela pres are a bit noisy
when high gain is needed! Just thought a good Jensen transformer
would give the pres some free gain and a proper match to ribbons and
dynamics!

Well, why not make a box with a 1:4 transformer in it, and plug it in
between the mike and the console? Either it will sound better or worse,
but it will definitely sound different.

I also have a console with transformerless mic pre's and I'm wondering if I
can buy or build a box of transformers to not only change the sound of
ribbon mics but also effect the amount of gain needed to use them on quiet
sources. In other words if a transformer changes the impedance of a ribbon
mic can that also lower the amount of gain it requires?

TIA

Sharp9 wrote:

In other words if a transformer changes the impedance of a ribbon
mic can that also lower the amount of gain it requires?

A tansformer provides gain or not, according to its turns ratio. The RAP
FAQ is at

http://www.recaudiopro.net


--
ha

"Sharp9" wrote ...
I also have a console with transformerless mic pre's and
I'm wondering if I can buy or build a box of transformers
to not only change the sound of ribbon mics but also effect
the amount of gain needed to use them on quiet sources. In
other words if a transformer changes the impedance of a
ribbon mic can that also lower the amount of gain it requires?

http://www.jensentransformers.com/as/as067.pdf

Richard Crowley wrote:

http://www.jensentransformers.com/as/as067.pdf

AFAIK designed for use inside the mic, directly connected to the ribbon element.

In article Klgec.12772$_K3.49777@attbi_s53 writes:

Thank you Mike, I apologize that I come at this from such an ignorant
perspective. Can I assume that If I got a marinair (or however it's spelled)
transformer that it would impart a good part of the tone of a Neve 10xx
module?

Many people who use those Neve preamps seem to think that the
transformers are a significant contributor to the sound, but not
entirely. It would be hard to estimate how close just a transformer
between the mic and whatever other preamp you had would get to the
Neve sound. I would only say that it would change things. You'll have
to try it to see if it's changed in a way that you like.

Or is it possible to use a modified variac or build a variac-like
box out of a mic Xfrmr to create a variable input impedance transformer box?

A Variac isn't exactly a transformer (it's an "autotransformer" which
means it has only one winding) and besides, Variacs are built to
handle power for things like lighting, so the impedance would be way
off (more like a piece of wire than an inductor) when used with a
microphone.

If you just want to play around with things, you could just put a variable
resistor across the mic preamp input terminals, maybe something like a
5K ohm pot with a 47 ohm resistor in series with it to keep from shorting
out the input entirely. Early "variable impedance" preamps just had a
switch that did this with a fixed resistor or two. It's not the same thing
as inductance, but it will affect the loading and damping of the diaphragm
and that's something you might be able to hear, and might find instructional.


--
I'm really Mike Rivers )
However, until the spam goes away or Hell freezes over,
lots of IP addresses are blocked from this system. If
you e-mail me and it bounces, use your secret decoder ring
and reach me he double-m-eleven-double-zero at yahoo

Sharp9 wrote:
Based on a post by Scott Dorsey in another thread...
We track everything through the Angela! The
problem is I like ribbon mics too! And the Angela pres are a bit noisy
when high gain is needed! Just thought a good Jensen transformer
would give the pres some free gain and a proper match to ribbons and
dynamics!

Well, why not make a box with a 1:4 transformer in it, and plug it in
between the mike and the console? Either it will sound better or worse,
but it will definitely sound different.

I also have a console with transformerless mic pre's and I'm wondering if I
can buy or build a box of transformers to not only change the sound of
ribbon mics but also effect the amount of gain needed to use them on quiet
sources. In other words if a transformer changes the impedance of a ribbon
mic can that also lower the amount of gain it requires?

IF it gives you better impedance match, it will lower the amount of gain
required. If it does not, it will not lower it. Most ribbon mikes can
be strapped for a variety of different load impedances, most of which
are a lot lower than a Mackie console, but some of which are about right
for a Great River preamp. If it's already pretty well matched, a transformer
will not help.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

Sharp9 wrote:
I should also ask, what or where can I find the optimal (or range of
optimal) input impedances for these and other ribbon mics?

From the data sheet. In the case of the RCA mikes you will have to
open up the base and see how the output transformer is strapped, since
they can be strapped for several output impedances. In the case of
the Shure ribbons, you will have to check what setting the impedance
switch behind the rear cover is set to.

Also, will these
have similar effects on dynamic and condenser mics?

They won't be as significant, but mikes like the SM-57 are very sensitive
to loading issues as well, again because of the efficiency of the magnetic
circuit. Most condensers don't care about loading at all, although some
with output transformers might change in sound a little bit.
--scott

--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."