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Short Review of CEntrance MicPortPro
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Frank F
Fat, Old, and Sassy


Joined: 10 Nov 2004
Posts: 4421
Location: Park City, Utah

PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 4:21 am    Post subject: Short Review of CEntrance MicPortPro Reply with quote

Generally I am not a big fan of USB microphones or audio interfaces for that matter. The reasons are simple, USB devices I have tested are usually very low level devices with a lot of latency, inherent noise, and are bulky. USB microphones in general lack a solid presence with their sound, in my (not-so-humble) opinion.

Once you have found the right microphone for your voice and style, carrying the microphone and all the associated gear to adapt to a portable set-up can be bulky, heavy, and daunting. Over the past weekend I tested the CEntrance MicPortPro which a friend sent for review. I was impressed, and believe me it takes a lot to get me impressed.

The MicPortPro is a small cylindrical device made of aluminum and about the size of an XLR attenuator or cigar tube and small enough to fit in your pocket. An XLR connector is on one end and a USB (1.0 and 2.0 compatible) connector on the other end of this little powerhouse. It defaults to 24 bit/96 kHz on setup; so to adjust the bit rate and sample rate you are required to download the free CEntrance Universal Driver™.

The MicPortPro has a few things up it’s sleeve including 48volt/20mA phantom power supplied by the USB port (no batteries required) and a low noise pre-amp. This translates into the ability to use ANY microphone, condenser or dynamic with your laptop.

Audio levels were good on the output and the waveform reached a solid 80% on peaks with no distortion. The pre-amp was very quiet even when turned up to maximum.

Next, a little surprise in the form a loud headphone amp, 2.5 mm port, and volume control for real time microphone monitoring and playback. The MicPortPro is basically a USB soundcard with phantom power and a very usable pre-amp.

For around $149.95 USD (MSRP) CEntrance’s MicPortPro makes your laptop into a portable recording studio using your regular microphone. The MicPortPro comes with a six foot USB cable and a cute velvet carrying bag. Now all you need is a quiet hotel room; and a voiceover talent is in business in a flash.

I am having a difficult time returning the MicPortPro to my friend; as this little device will make my on-the-road portable podcast and recording equipment issues so much easier to deal with.

Toodles

F2
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bobsouer
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Joined: 15 Jul 2006
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Location: Pittsburgh, PA

PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 4:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Frank,

Thanks for posting this valuable information.
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Brett Mason
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Joined: 03 Jul 2007
Posts: 491
Location: Tidy Town, NC

PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 5:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Harrrrrrr, Frank....this be a trove of useful information. Ye certainly be deservin' of a reward....say, raisin' yer exponent to a power of three! Thankee...... Hobo Happy
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jrodriguez315
A Hundred Dozen


Joined: 26 Sep 2006
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Location: New Jersey

PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 7:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks Frank! Sounds like a valuable tool to add to ones arsenal.
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Craig
Been Here Awhile


Joined: 17 Mar 2007
Posts: 250
Location: SLC, Ut

PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 4:15 pm    Post subject: Me too! Reply with quote

Yes Frank, I've been looking forward to it too.

Thanks!

Craig
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Pam
The Thirteenth Floor


Joined: 21 Jul 2006
Posts: 1311
Location: Chicago, Il

PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

And anything that has a cute velvet carrying bag HAS to be tops in my books!
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Frank F
Fat, Old, and Sassy


Joined: 10 Nov 2004
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Location: Park City, Utah

PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was wondering if anyone would catch that piece of dribble... Thanks Pam.

F2
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Pam
The Thirteenth Floor


Joined: 21 Jul 2006
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 8:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

That's me...dribble catcher. You are so very welcome Cap'n Frank!
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todd ellis
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Joined: 02 Jan 2007
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 9:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

thanks frank! i have been cautiously optimistic about that lil piece of hardware - you make me want to buy one! They should give you your demo for free!

point them to bob souer's blog - you're already giving them free press!
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Frank F
Fat, Old, and Sassy


Joined: 10 Nov 2004
Posts: 4421
Location: Park City, Utah

PostPosted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 9:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The entire review will be printed in three audio related magazines for October.

Our next review is the likely the new MXL 990 USB microphone and the Mic Mate from MXL (if I can get my hands on one).

Thanks for the blog post Bob. You make me sound like I almost know what I am talking about.

Toodles

F2
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Last edited by Frank F on Wed Sep 19, 2007 11:50 am; edited 1 time in total
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bobsouer
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Joined: 15 Jul 2006
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 11:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Frank,

Almost? You're the man! I'm just spreading the good word in my own small way. (Arrr!)
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Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
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Doc
Guest





PostPosted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

BSW is selling this unit for $125.00 (regularly $150).

http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=MICPORTPRO
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jrodriguez315
A Hundred Dozen


Joined: 26 Sep 2006
Posts: 1202
Location: New Jersey

PostPosted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hey Bob, I hadn't checked out your Blog in a while and all I can say is WOW! What a great Blog. I've been poking around there for a while now with no end in site. Thanks for this great resource. Man, I need to get my Blog up to speed.
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bobsouer
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 5:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Joe,

Thank you for your kindness. Embarrassed
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Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
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Lizden
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Joined: 04 Dec 2006
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 6:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Frank!
That's awesome!...looks like another item to add to the "To Get" list!
Thanks for the great info!

And Joe, YES, Bob's Blog, rocks! (as does HE!)

Liz
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