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moosers
Published on 04/03/10 at 13:04
The RME Audio QuadMic is a four channel microphone preamplifier that is made in Germany. It is designed to be brought on the go for mobile recording, as it's small size allows you to transport it easily and quickly. However, it can be used in non-mobile situations as well. QuadMic has four dual XLR and 1/4" inputs and four 1/4" line outputs, all of which are in the back of the unit. I guess that this will fit inside a rack casing, but it is only about half the size across, so you'd need two of them to fit it in perfectly.
UTILIZATION
The make up of the RME Audio QuadMic is very straight forward and simple to follow. Each of the four mic preamps has a knob for gain and buttons for +48 volt phantom power, a lo cut option, and for phase. It also has LED meters for your signal, phantom power on/off, and clipping. There really isn't all that much to know beyond these basic parameters, so a manual won't be necessary for most users.
SOUND QUALITY
The sound quality is a bit above average with the RME Audio QuadMic, especially considering the compact nature the preamp. While designed for mobile recording uses, the QuadMic is definitely more than just a compact set of preamps, as I've only used these inside the recording studio and not on the go. Either way you use them, it is basically the same - it's just nice to have the option to move them easily if needed. The QuadMic can be used to record just about any application, as I don't feel that they favor one over another, they are in general decent enough sounding mic pres for all sorts of situations. This certainly wouldn't be my first choice for a mic pre, but if you need four extra channels of pres, the QuadMic will do the job most times.
OVERALL OPINION
For the price, the RME Audio QuadMic is a great deal. While the preamps don't sound all that much better than those you'd find on most audio interfaces, keep in mind that they are really designed just to offer an extra set of preamps to users in need. If you've got an audio interface where you have the inputs but need more mic preamps like a Digi 002 for example, the RME Audio QuadMic offers an inexpensive solution to expand. So while ideal for mobile recording, the QuadMic will help out users of all types...
UTILIZATION
The make up of the RME Audio QuadMic is very straight forward and simple to follow. Each of the four mic preamps has a knob for gain and buttons for +48 volt phantom power, a lo cut option, and for phase. It also has LED meters for your signal, phantom power on/off, and clipping. There really isn't all that much to know beyond these basic parameters, so a manual won't be necessary for most users.
SOUND QUALITY
The sound quality is a bit above average with the RME Audio QuadMic, especially considering the compact nature the preamp. While designed for mobile recording uses, the QuadMic is definitely more than just a compact set of preamps, as I've only used these inside the recording studio and not on the go. Either way you use them, it is basically the same - it's just nice to have the option to move them easily if needed. The QuadMic can be used to record just about any application, as I don't feel that they favor one over another, they are in general decent enough sounding mic pres for all sorts of situations. This certainly wouldn't be my first choice for a mic pre, but if you need four extra channels of pres, the QuadMic will do the job most times.
OVERALL OPINION
For the price, the RME Audio QuadMic is a great deal. While the preamps don't sound all that much better than those you'd find on most audio interfaces, keep in mind that they are really designed just to offer an extra set of preamps to users in need. If you've got an audio interface where you have the inputs but need more mic preamps like a Digi 002 for example, the RME Audio QuadMic offers an inexpensive solution to expand. So while ideal for mobile recording, the QuadMic will help out users of all types...