VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Frank F

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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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

bobsouer · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 4:33 am Post subject:

Frank,

Thanks for posting this valuable information.
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Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

Brett Mason · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 5:35 am Post subject:

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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Brett

"Dare to be Yourself" - André Gide
Merry Merchants of Voice Over!
Mendicant

jrodriguez315 · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 7:53 am Post subject:

Thanks Frank! Sounds like a valuable tool to add to ones arsenal.
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Joe Rodriguez, Bilingual Voice Actor | The Voiceover Thespian Blog

Craig · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 4:15 pm Post subject: Me too!

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

Thanks!

Craig

Pam · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:22 pm Post subject:

And anything that has a cute velvet carrying bag HAS to be tops in my books!
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Pam Tierney
www.pamtierneyvo.com
imdb profile http://imdb.com/name/nm1941932/

Now what did I come in here for?

Frank F · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:45 pm Post subject:

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

F2
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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

Pam · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 8:26 am Post subject:

That's me...dribble catcher. You are so very welcome Cap'n Frank!
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Pam Tierney
www.pamtierneyvo.com
imdb profile http://imdb.com/name/nm1941932/

Now what did I come in here for?

todd ellis · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 9:14 am Post subject:

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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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

Frank F · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 9:58 am Post subject:

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
_________________
Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

bobsouer · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 11:47 am Post subject:

Frank,

Almost? You're the man! I'm just spreading the good word in my own small way. (Arrr!)
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

Doc · Guest

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

http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=MICPORTPRO

jrodriguez315 · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:35 pm Post subject:

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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Joe Rodriguez, Bilingual Voice Actor | The Voiceover Thespian Blog

bobsouer · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 5:38 pm Post subject:

Joe,

Thank you for your kindness. Embarrassed

_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

Lizden · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 6:05 pm Post subject:

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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Liz de Nesnera O.A.V. ~ Livin' The VO Dream!
English/French Bilingual VO w/ ISDN
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