Hi Robb,

The older Echo products were fine units. Time marches on and the cretions of human beings deteriorate. For the record, it may be possible to have that unit repaired by a qualified audio repair technician. Often the problem is dried out electrlolytic capacitors.

That said, if using one of the newer windows operating systems (anything newer than XP) it would likely be a very good time to simply purchase someting newer.

Bear in mind that you don't *have* to look for the 60dB (referenced to WHAT?...) gain preamp.

For one mic, or even a small handful, one could also purchase a good quality Mic Preamp to patch in when using such mics. That opens up the possible selections considerably. A Studioprojects VTB-1 is still a very good mic preamp choice that touts realworld audio rivaling some of the custom built mic preamps out there, and for pennies on the dollar.


--Mac