shure sm7b and studio projects VTB-1 pre amp.

  • Thread starter Thread starter wreckthisplace
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wreckthisplace

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hey all

i just bought a VTB-1 pre amp for my shure sm7b mic. it was recommended and i also did some research on it and read some really good reviews. rarely bad. i was wondering if anyone has some advice on this setup. levels and whatnot. ive experimented with it just a bit and so far i cant hear much of a difference. i still have to crank the input on the VTB-1 up to almost full to get a decent meter reading on the VTB-1. then i up the output until the meter reading in pro tools is comfortable. it seems to me as of right now that i get the same amount of hiss or noise doing this as i would if i were to plug it directly in to my mixer (m-audio projectmix I/O) and crank the knob up on that.

can anyone suggest anything? some tips? im an amateur pre amp user. its my first one. i bought it because the output on the shure sm7b is rather low and cranking it gave me an unwanted his and a lot of background noise. i wanted to minimize this.

also, im inexperienced when it comes to the tube option on the pre amp. doesnt seem to do too much when i mess with it. not sure if its supposed to be very subtle or not.

thanks a lot for your time. hope to see some responses.

cheers
 
the SM7B needs a hi gain preamp like the AEA TRP or an A-Design Pacifica to work decent cause it got ribbon like charastics like a low output. I think your vtb doesn't have enough gain to let the mic shine.
 
thanks for your reply.

so do you think i have made a bad purchase? should i return it and get something that will suit my shure sm7b a little better? i paid $99 for the VTB-1. maybe a better idea would be to keep it, use it for now and eventually get another for my SM7b. im sure the VTB could come in good use with other mics down the road as i have read nothing but good reviews. what do you think?

also, i was hoping for something a little less expensive than those ones you suggested. something thats not pushing the $1000 and $2000 mark.

thoughts on my situation anyone?

appreciate it.

thanks and cheers.
 
i know the vtb doesn't suit the SM7B. An TRP is under 1K for a dual preamp, the only disadvantage is that there is no Phantom power (not needed for dynamic (ribbon) mics, for wich it is build
 
Grace Designs makes a version of the Model 101 that has extra gain for ribbon applications - Also well-suited to the likes of the SM7b.
 
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