Shure PF32?

scorsesefan

scorsesefan

Veteran
I have a Tascam DR-100 MKII and wanted to pick up an inexpensive used mixer with decent preamps. I see Shure PF32s around for cheap on Ebay, etc. I know this is an ancient model but are they worth picking up for the right price? Also how will it work with my Tascam?

Thanks
 
The FP32, followed by the 32A and then the 33, were each industry-standard field mixers in their time. That was before Sound Devices came along and built its reputation.

That day has come and gone, and what you'll find out of the older Shure mixers is noise. It wasn't as noticeable in the days of U-Matic and BetaSP, and even with DBeta it generally wasn't an issue. Then Sound Devices came along and showed us what a clean field mixer sounds like, and digital field recording expanded past the accepted noise threshold.

That's not to say the Shures are terrible mixers. They're built like tanks, and a new (or newish) FP33 isn't bad at all. A lot of the aging FP-series, though, get noisier.

I don't think you'll improve your results much, if at all, by adding an FP32 in front of your TASCAM.
 
Last edited:
Okay, thanks, Alex. I recently used a FP33 for a bit with my Tascam and it sounded decent. I guess if I find an inexpensive used FP33 I'll consider picking it up. BTW it seems that the FP33 has gone through some updates over time but without changing model numbers -- is this true?
 
The FP32 and 32a are similar in design and S/N. The FP33 was basically a complete makeover in terms of PC boards, components, layout, ect. Much quieter than the previous 32/32a.
Despite the 32's short-comings, it was very rugged. I put one through all kinds of hell, working on international poverty stricken area documentaries in the '90s. It never totally crapped out.
 
Rick R said:
The FP32 and 32a are similar in design and S/N. The FP33 was basically a complete makeover in terms of PC boards, components, layout, ect. Much quieter than the previous 32/32a.
Despite the 32's short-comings, it was very rugged. I put one through all kinds of hell, working on international poverty stricken area documentaries in the '90s. It never totally crapped out.
Click to expand...
Hey, Rick. Did you find the 32/32a signal to noise ratio acceptable?
 
"Hey, Rick. Did you find the 32/32a signal to noise ratio acceptable?"
Well sort of.. At that time, (early 90s) the Betacam SP format gear and the FP32 were the defacto ENG standard and there weren't too many options. Most of the locations had BG noise to mask it, so it never bothered me much (or post). Many of the docking P V V series recorders had AFM tracks, so I would record to them as well for 'higher' quality... but then, not all the post houses had machines that would playback the AFM audio tracks.. Those Betacam set-ups were pretty rugged too. and HEAVY. My cam op buddy's rig weighed in at around 30 lb.s, with two Anton Bauer batt. bricks, wireless receivers, ect.. Freak'in expensive too!
 
Rick R said:
"Hey, Rick. Did you find the 32/32a signal to noise ratio acceptable?"
Well sort of.. At that time, (early 90s) the Betacam SP format gear and the FP32 were the defacto ENG standard and there weren't too many options. Most of the locations had BG noise to mask it, so it never bothered me much (or post). Many of the docking P V V series recorders had AFM tracks, so I would record to them as well for 'higher' quality... but then, not all the post houses had machines that would playback the AFM audio tracks.. Those Betacam set-ups were pretty rugged too. and HEAVY. My cam op buddy's rig weighed in at around 30 lb.s, with two Anton Bauer batt. bricks, wireless receivers, ect.. Freak'in expensive too!
Click to expand...
Thanks. Yeah as Bob says "The times they are a changin' ". My earliest sound work was on a DAT :)... I do a lot of verite in noisy conditions (on boats, in C.Park, etc.) so maybe I'll give one a shot if it's cheap enough...
 
BillWojo said:
Where does the Shure FP23 fit in? Make a good preamp for a Tascam DR100?
Click to expand...

That's the same as the Sound devices MP-1, just as the FP24 was actually the MixPre (original, not D). If I recall correctly, Sound Devices eventually started putting their own labels on them after making them for Shure for some time.
 
That's good to know. I picked one up to put in front of my Tascam DR100 and have played around with it a bit. Sounded pretty good to my ears but I'm not an audio guy. What's the best way to gain stage one of these? There isn't a meter on it. I turn the gain down on the Tascam and use it's meters while adjusting the gain on the FP23. Should I use the limiters on the Tascam or the Shure?
Thanks
Bill Wojo
 
"I picked one up to put in front of my Tascam DR100"
The limiter on the preamp are likely analog, so I would defiantly have it enabled. the Tascam's digital limiters would be a good secondary for overshoots.
Levels? Line for sure.
Assuming you have the updated mkII.. Generally, in the absence of a preamp/mixer with no oscillator and output meter (or other test gear), try setting the recorder's record level at around 60% to start and experiment.
 
I still use the old shure M367 mono mixers and they can be very useful but as others have said noisy in comparison with modern day equivalents but hey most TV only needs a dynamic range of around 20 db so for sports and most productions they are fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top