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Does This Audio MIcrophone Preamplifier Product Exist?

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John B:

--- Quote from: EEVblog on October 26, 2021, 11:53:01 am ---
Yes I know about those solutions, this is why I specifically asked if a simplier all in one hardware solution exists.

--- End quote ---

Even the MOTU Ultralite won't tick your boxes. You're probably not going to find a hardware switch solution for muting the outputs when plugging in headphones. I can't even think of an interface that has some plug detection mechanism.

I wouldn't recommend a software solution for you either. I do use a thunderbolt interface with software FX and I can get 6ms round trip latency, which is good enough for realtime, and does everything you could want, but it's not a "one button - everything on" solution, not to mention pricey.

The best idea is to split the FX from the interface. Plenty of interfaces have compression but not de essers that I can think of. A separate multi-fx unit will provide "realtime" FX, and provide enough flexibility with tonal shaping. Even if you found a all-in-one solution, you would probably find the tonal control to be lacking, hence why it's better to go for a dedicated FX unit. When you get really fussy, even the multi-FX are a compromise and you get individual FX!

A vocal specific rack unit would probably be the best starting point, one with compression and de essing, something like a dbx 286 or similar brand. You could either plug the XLR mic directly into the unit, then route from the rack unit to the interface, or run an FX loop from an interface with enough ins/outs.

Some of the more modern interfaces, take MOTU for example, use a web based interface for mix control and allow for more flexible remote control of volume and other parameters. You may be able to work out an easy mute/unmute system for your outputs.

So lastly your DIY suggestion.....probably the least efficient way unless you're making it for the purpose of your own edification, or your required solution is really, really specific (which it isn't, the interface + vocal rack unit will work). Check out this project involving multi fx based around a pi: https://www.treefallsound.com/

It's on my list of things to do.

By the way I don't understand not wanting to combine units. Everything you're asking for will fit into a 2 rack unit case, you can have it all connected in the case and will require minimal setup time if you move the case around.

optoisolated:

--- Quote from: Bassman59 on October 26, 2021, 08:32:33 pm ---Since when is Rossman now an audio expert?

--- End quote ---

I didn't say he was an audio expert. I suggested Dave reach out to him as they already have a rapport, and Louis worked in the industry for several years and has experience with audio equipment.

optoisolated:
I'll start by saying that this is overkill, as I'm not sure a single channel ADC/DAC exists which also has noise gates, compressor and de-esser. That said, for not a ridiculous amount of money you can just get a Rodecaster Pro.

https://rode.com/interfaces-mixers/rodecaster-pro

It's overkill in that its deigned for live podcasting (4 preamp mic inputs) but it does have headphone/monitor outputs and built-in de-esser and noise gates.
You can buy them for around $700-$800 Australian.

RodeCaster Pro Effects Processing - https://www.rode.com/interfaces-mixers/rodecaster-pro/learning-hub/using-advanced-processing-and-effects
RodeCaster Pro Speaker/Headphones - https://www.rode.com/interfaces-mixers/rodecaster-pro/learning-hub/using-headphones-and-speakers
RodeCaster Pro Microphone Support - https://www.rode.com/interfaces-mixers/rodecaster-pro/learning-hub/setting-up-microphone-channels
* Note it has a preconfigured profile for the Rode NT1-A

Based on your list:

* A single USB interface microphone pre-amplifier - Yes
* Compressor and De-esser controls - Yes
* 48 Phantom power - Yes
* Heaphone output that disables line output whne plugged in. - Sort of... see below

* Automatically Mute Outputs – Automatically mute the output whenever a channel slider is turned up, ensuring you don’t experience feedback while using monitors.
* It does have separate headphone/monitor volume control knobs though.
* balanced XLR line outputs for monitoring - Balanced TRS outputs
It is overkill, but it looks like it will do what you need.

borjam:

--- Quote from: BrianHG on October 26, 2021, 08:25:12 pm ---
--- Quote from: borjam on October 26, 2021, 07:57:12 pm ---Tubes add some nice sounding distortion, nothing bad of course!

--- End quote ---
:palm: Proper tube design should not distort the audio.  Withing the proper specified audio levels, it should be as good as any modern IC amplifier. 

--- End quote ---
Define "proper". An amplifier designed for music (especially when it takes part in the recording/production process) is not an instrumentation amplifier. It is a legitimate artistic decision to add distortion, equalize or whatnot.

In this kind of equipment that is intentional, hence proper.

Brumby:

--- Quote from: optoisolated on October 26, 2021, 09:42:57 pm ---
--- Quote from: Bassman59 on October 26, 2021, 08:32:33 pm ---Since when is Rossman now an audio expert?

--- End quote ---

I didn't say he was an audio expert. I suggested Dave reach out to him as they already have a rapport, and Louis worked in the industry for several years and has experience with audio equipment.

--- End quote ---
This is what I understood.

You don't have to be an audio expert to be able to make suggestions.  Assessing the quality and usability of a suggestion is a different ball game.

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