Description
CENTRANCE MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER - USB
This low-noise microphone pre-amplifier plugs into a ribbon, dynamic or condenser microphone and connects it to a computer running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OS X 10.5, using a USB cable. It is recognised natively, without special drivers. With a headphone socket offering zero-latency monitoring the MicPort Pro is aimed at professional applications such as recording vocals and overdubs, instruments and amplifiers, podcasting, broadcasting and interviewing.
MicPort Pro
A low-noise, class A microphone preamplifier with a balanced signal path, together with a A/D converter with 24-bit, 96kHz performance, is built into a rugged, fully shielded, anodised aluminium case with a female XLR connector on one end. This can either be attached directly to a suitable microphone, or connected using a microphone cable. The other end of the case has a miniature USB socket, a switch, with associated LED, to select 48V phantom power, which is derived internally from the USB powering, and a 3.5mm stereo headphone socket, designed to be loud across a variety of headphones. Two rotary controls on the longer surface adjust microphone gain and headphone level. A performer wearing headphones connected to the headphone socket will hear the program material from the computer in stereo, and the microphone signal in mono, placed in the middle. The output fed to the USB bus is mono, on both stereo channels.
At the most minimal, a reporter could take a microphone, the MicPort pro and cable, and a USB memory stick to a location, and use computers already on site to record an interview, and perhaps some notes, to the USB stick. For stereo recordings, two units will be required, as well as a special driver, if using Windows, so a notebook computer and some microphone cables, and maybe suitable headphones will be more appropriate. See Optional Accessories below.
Input: -9.5dBV to -45.5dBV set to minimum/maximum gain, for full scale, 5000 ohms. Sample rate: 24-bit/96kHz with optional 44.1kHz, 48kHz, and 88.2kHz modes. Response: 20Hz-20kHz +/- 1.5dB, minimum gain. Noise: -121dBV EIN, A-weighted, 150 ohm source. Dynamic range: 103.5dB, A-weighted, minimum gain. Distortion: 0.01% THD+N, -0.5dBFS, 1kHz. Headphone output: -7dBV/-1dB, 16/32 ohm load. Power source: USB bus. Dimensions: 114 x 48 x 50 (l x w x h)mm. Weight: 62 grams.
Included accessories: Carrying pouch, 1.83 metre USB cable, quick-start guide.
Optional accessories: The Centrance Universal Driver for recording with multiple MicPort Pro units is available with no charge as a web download. The driver offers: Aggregation of multiple MicPort units for Windows XP and Vista. Low 6ms round-trip latency and high stability. ASIO2 interface for use with with Steinberg’s Cubase/Nuendo. GSIF2 interface for use with Tascam’s GigaStudio.
Note: An application capable of recording the output of the pre-amplifier must be available on the host computer, such as Windows sound recorder. There is no recording software supplied with the MicPort.