I've been fooling around with my old Shure M67 four channel mixer. It sounds pretty good really. It lacks headroom and has too much gain in some circumstances like micing drums. I like the fact it plugs into the wall with a permanent power cord, has a master VU, mic input transformers, and individual master and channel volume controls. I also have a place in my heart for discrete preamps and their low noise characteristics. However, I'm thinking of gutting it and addressing the shortcomings with a new PCB of my own design. I would improve the dynamic range by using the 34volt PS that's present rather than the 14v one it uses. Also ESP has published a lovely two transistor preamp with great noise/gain/distortion figures. It requires a mic input transformer to get the gain up to reasonable levels though and to be noise free with long cord runs.
I would reuse the transformers already in the M67. I have no clue how they rate against modern types.I can easily check the bandwidth with my signal generator and O-scope. When do they saturate is another question. I suppose I could check that too by overdriving. Apparently the sonic gurus like the sound of mic input transformers for the compression affect.
On the other hand I could leave that piece of vintage gear as is and remake the whole thing using a mic input transformer available commercially.
Looking at mic input transformers I'm bowled over by the prices.
Neutrik advertises a mic input transformer, the NTE10/3. It's only ~$15.00, a far cry from the 3 to $500,00 you can pay for others.
Anyone have experience with it?
What's so special about the expensive types?
I would reuse the transformers already in the M67. I have no clue how they rate against modern types.I can easily check the bandwidth with my signal generator and O-scope. When do they saturate is another question. I suppose I could check that too by overdriving. Apparently the sonic gurus like the sound of mic input transformers for the compression affect.
On the other hand I could leave that piece of vintage gear as is and remake the whole thing using a mic input transformer available commercially.
Looking at mic input transformers I'm bowled over by the prices.
Neutrik advertises a mic input transformer, the NTE10/3. It's only ~$15.00, a far cry from the 3 to $500,00 you can pay for others.
Anyone have experience with it?
What's so special about the expensive types?
Rayma, I think you got the specs for the NTE-1 not the NTE10/3. However, thanks for pointing out all I needed to do was go to the website for specs.
These guys can help you with any questions. I did copy the wrong specs, now that is fixed.
https://www.fullcompass.com/prod/158115-neutrik-nte10-3-audio-transformer
https://www.fullcompass.com/prod/158115-neutrik-nte10-3-audio-transformer