Radial Engineering has announced the StageBug SB-48UB, a unique phantom power supply that enables a guitar, bass or mandolin player to connect a condenser microphone to a Radial PZ-Pre or PZ-Deluxe.
According to Radial circuit and mechanical designer Nancy Smith: “Over the past couple of years we have seen a tremendous take up of the PZ-Pre on professional stages, particularly with blue grass instruments, acoustic guitars and upright basses. And since the PZ-Pre is able to combine two inputs using a blend function, one can mix two types of pickups together to create the sound. This has led the demand to combine a condenser microphone with a pickup.
“The SB-48UB takes the balanced input from a condenser and supplies it with 48 volt phantom power,” Smith continues.“It also outputs an unbalanced signal that is appropriate for the PZ-Pre and the more affordable PZ-Deluxe. This opens the door for artists to use their favorite mic with their favorite preamp pedal.”
Made in Canada, the design includes a solid steel outer shell with XLR female input to connect the mic. Power is derived from a 15-volt DC supply and an internal non-radiating charge pump elevates the voltage to 48-volt for standard phantom power use or it may be set to 12 volts DC. A choice of balanced XLR or unbalanced 1/4-inch output is available.
Guaranteed for 3 years, the SB-48UB retails for $150 (USD) and is shipping now.
