FAQ
General -FAQ
What is the difference between a dynamic, ribbon and condenser microphone?
- Dynamic Microphones:
- How They Work: They use a magnet and a coil to convert sound into an electrical signal. Sound waves make the coil move in a magnetic field, generating the signal.
- Durability: Dynamic microphones are sturdy and can handle rough handling and high sound levels, making them ideal for live performances and loud environments.
- Applications: Commonly used on stages and for live performances due to their ruggedness and ability to handle high volumes.
- Condenser Microphones:
- How They Work: They rely on a capacitor to change sound into electricity. A diaphragm vibrates near a backplate, varying the capacitance and producing the signal.
- Power Requirement: Condenser microphones need external power, often provided through phantom power, to operate their internal electronics.
- Sensitivity: They are more sensitive and capture more detail, making them suitable for recording studios where high-quality sound reproduction is crucial.
- Ribbon Microphones:
- How They Work: Ribbon microphones use a thin strip of metal (the ribbon) suspended in a magnetic field. Sound waves make the ribbon move, generating the electrical signal.
- Sensitivity and Durability: Ribbons are delicate like condensers but also sensitive to loud sounds like dynamics. They require careful handling but can capture nuanced sound details.
- Applications: Typically used in recording studios for their ability to capture detailed sound, especially in instruments and vocals. They offer a smooth and natural sound characteristic.
What is phantom power P48?
Phantom power P48 refers to a method used to power condenser microphones, which require electrical power to operate. It’s called “phantom” because it doesn’t require a separate power supply; instead, it’s sent alongside the audio signal through the microphone cable. P48 specifically refers to the standard voltage level of 48 volts used for this purpose. It’s commonly found on professional audio equipment like mixers, preamplifiers, and audio interfaces. This method simplifies setups because it eliminates the need for additional power sources or batteries for the microphones.
We use phantom power to power most of our products.
FetHead -FAQ
I would like to boost my condenser microphone. Which Fethead would you recommend?
For a condenser microphone or any other phantom powered device we advise to use a FetHead Phantom.
Do you really offer a lifetime warranty on the NOS germanium transistor?
Yes we do, we offer a lifetime warranty on the NOS germanium transistor in our FetHead Germanium, and this is why:
We absolutely love the sound of the “new old stock” germanium transistor we’ve used in the circuit of our FetHead Germanium. We couldn’t find any equivalent among currently produced electronic components that sounded as great as the old transistors we’re using in the FetHead Germanium. We have a rigorous testing policy in place. Every transistor is tested and matched before being used. After assembly, all FetHead Germanium units are individually tested and listened to before being sold. However, the old transistors are slightly less reliable than we would like, as they may, in rare cases, go bad after a period of time. That’s why we offer a lifetime warranty on them. We take pride in taking care of you and will always do what it takes to help a customer.
For the first two years after purchase, any FetHead Germanium experiencing issues can be exchanged at an authorised Triton Audio retailer. For FetHead Germaniums purchased more than two years ago, please contact us directly at contact@tritonaudio.com.
What is the difference between the regular FetHead and the FetHead Phantom?
Our classic FetHead and the FetHead Phantom are both in-line microphone preamplifiers designed to provide clean gain to microphones, but they differ in their compatibility and power handling.
Our FetHead Phantom is specifically designed for condenser microphones or other phantom-powered devices. It utilizes phantom power to operate and also passes it through to power the connected microphone. Our FetHead Phantom is suitable for microphones that require phantom power to function properly.
Our classic FetHead is designed for dynamic and ribbon microphones. It requires phantom power to operate, but it doesn’t pass phantom power to the microphone itself.
It boosts the signal of dynamic and ribbon microphones without introducing noise or coloration, providing additional clean gain for low-output microphones.
In summary, while both versions of FetHead serve the purpose of boosting microphone signals, the regular FetHead is for dynamic and ribbon microphones, while the FetHead Phantom is for condenser microphones or other phantom-powered devices. Both require an audio interface, mixer, mic preamp, or other device that generates phantom power.
What is the difference between your classic Fethead, FetHead Germanium and FetHead Transformer?
If you’re looking to preserve your sound’s natural clarity, our standard FetHead offers ultra-linear amplification without altering its tone. However, if you crave a touch of color to enhance your audio, consider our specialized options:
FetHead Germanium: boosts your signal by +29dB, delivering punchy and rich mid-tones for added character.
FetHead Transformer: with a +28dB gain, it enriches your sound with thick low mids and crisp, detailed highs, perfect for breathing life into dull built-in preamps on your interface.
Upgrade your audio experience with our FetHead, tailored to your desired sonic signature.
How to set the impedance on my preamp when using a FetHead?
The higher the input impedance, the better! We advise against setting the preamp to a too low input impedance. With too low an input impedance, the FetHead performs less effectively.
What is the maximum XLR cable length to power a FetHead?
For optimal performance, we recommend using high-quality 3-pin XLR cables with excellent shielding. With this conditions a FetHead should be capable of reaching distances between 125 to 150 meters, depending on the cable capacity. Additionally, to maintain the highest audio fidelity, it’s advisable to keep the cable lengths as short as possible.
BigAmp -FAQ
What is the difference between BigAmp and BigAmp Piezo?
The main difference between the BigAmp and BigAmp Piezo lies in their intended applications and impedance characteristics:
- Designed for general amplification purposes.
- Has an impedance of 1MOhm.
- Suitable for a wide range of instruments and audio sources.
- Specifically tailored for amplifying piezoelectric pickups commonly found in acoustic instruments like acoustic guitars, violins, and other stringed instruments.
- Features a higher impedance of 7.5MOhm, optimized for piezo pickup systems.
- Provides enhanced signal clarity and fidelity for piezo pickups.
Both models offer high-quality amplification, but the BigAmp Piezo is specialized for piezoelectric pickups, ensuring the best performance for acoustic instruments equipped with such pickups.
How much mA P48 does the BigAmp Piezo need?
Both our BigAmp and BigAmp Piezo need 3,5 mA / 48 volts (phantom power) to power its circuitry.
How much is the signal amplification of the BigAmp?
For both the BigAmp and our BigAmp Piezo the signal amplification is low (+3dB) to allow for the highest possible headroom.
What kinds of signal does the BigAmp accept?
Our BigAmp accepts signals ranging from the pickup of an electric bass or guitar to the line level output of a synthesizer.
What is the input impedance of a BigAmp?
The impedance of our BigAmp is 1MOhm, while the impedance of our BigAmp Piezo is 7.5MOhm.
Other -FAQ
How much weight can one single Neolev lift?
One single NeoLev lifts up to 8 kg. For example, if you have a speaker weighing 30 kg, you would need 6 NeoLevs to levitate the speaker. For stability we advise to use a minimum of 4 NeoLevs.
What are suitable applications for the Neolev?
NeoLevs are suitable for nearfield monitors, HiFi speakers, turntables, CD/DVD/Blu-Ray players, preamps, power amps or anything else you want to decouple.
Are NeoLevs adjustable?
The inner stainless steel ring of each NeoLev is adjustable. This ensures perfect levelling.
Is there an optimal start-up sequence for a Phantom Blocker?
Before you connect the device you wish to shield from phantom power, make sure your phantom blocker is attached to the cable and have phantom power engaged. Wait 5 seconds, during which phantom blockers internal bleeder resistors will cancel out voltage differences. Connecting in this order prevents the transfer of an initial AC voltage burst created by the phantom power switching on.
Phantom power can be applied to either the male or the female side of phantom blocker’s XLR connector and will not reach the opposing XLR connector, the audio signal travels without restriction in both directions.
What are different applications for Phantom Blocker?
• Microphones
There are microphones (mainly ribbon microphones) which do not tolerate phantom power. Connecting a ribbon microphone to a cable which has phantom power applied sends a rush of current through the microphone’s transformer, this current gets amplified by the transformer into the primary circuit of the microphone and forces the ribbon out of the magnetic field it is suspended in, this can permanently stretch the ribbon. We advise to use our FetHead to add clean gain and protect your ribbon microphone against phantom power.
• Microphone preamps
Some (vintage) preamps are sensitive for phantom power at the input. The preamp’s input transformer cannot handle phantom power from another source. The transformer’s thin silk isolations can burn out because a burst of phantom power switching on creates a high voltage in the input transformer. To prevent this a complete blocking is needed.
• Unbalanced TRS to XLR cables
When connecting an unbalanced TRS to XLR cable, pin 3 of the XLR connector is directly connected to ground, creating a short, this can damage input transformers and under dimensioned phantom power circuits.
• Balanced device outputs
Our phantom blocker is a great solution to protect the output of any device connected to the XLR input of a mixing desk or preamp which has phantom power switched on, e.g. your computers audio interface.
I have a vintage mixing console that doesn’t have switchable phantom power. Is it possible to use this with the True Phantom?
Yes, the True Phantom has a built in phantom blocking circuit.
