I have a MINT condition mic2496 2-channel mic pre-amp A/D converter for sale. Comes with two breakout cables, one with XLR ends and the other with RCA line-in ends. This unit is made by Core-Sound. Here's some specs:

Mic2496 Specifications

* Channels: 2
* Word width: 24-bits
* Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 KS/s via external switches; 32, 64, 176.4 and 192 KS/s via internal jumpers
* Level controls: dual concentric
* Gain: 13 to 53 dB (nominal)
* Input level for 0 dBFS: 575 mV rms (typical, at minimum gain setting), higher with external attenuators
* Frequency response: 20 Hz to 40 KHz (+/- .2 dB), 30 Hz to 40 KHz (+/- .1 dB)
* Noise level: -135 to -140 dB (Ref: 0 dBFS, 20 Hz to 40 KHz, typical)
* Separation: greater than 95 dB (20 Hz to 40 KHz, typical)
* THD: less than .01% (typical)
* Phantom power: switchable P48V (maximum current available: 4 mA total); 9 Volt (For Core Sound HEB microphone set), or none -- via internal jumpers
* Input: 5-pin mini-XLR jack (mates with Switchcraft TA5F); breakout cables available with two XLR-F, 1/8" stereo mini-jack or two Micro-Dot females (others available as custom orders)
* Outputs: coaxial (1/8" mono mini-jack), optical (Toslink)
* Output data format: S/PDIF
* Output level: S/PDIF standard; Sony TCD-D3/-D7/-D8 levels selectable via internal jumper
* LED Indicators: Activity (-13 dBFS) and Clip (-1.5 dBFS), per channel; low battery (7.4 Volts); P48V Phantom Power On
* Power:
Internal: 9 Volt "transistor radio" battery (Type 1604)
External: 7 to 14 Volts DC @ 180 mA minimum (300 mA recommended) via 5.0/2.1 mm DC power jack
* Operating time: 5.5 hours (typical, P48V off), 2 to 4+ hours (typical, P48V on)
* Current consumption: 110mA (P48V off), 145mA (P48V on, typical)
* Dimensions: 5-1/16" L x 3" W x 1-3/8" H
* Weight: 9.75 ounces (278 grams)

You can visit http://www.core-sound.com/Mic2496.html to read more and to see photos of it. I'd like to get ~ $500 shipped. If you have any question or comments, please feel free to ask.

Thanks!
Dan

Price drop to $450 shipped.

Dan,
Did you find fault with Mic2496? I am currently recording music using a Sony PCM D50 recorder and an analog mic preamp. I am not certain if I need to record with a 24 bit mic preamp.

I really didn't like the "feel" of the mic2496. If it were redesigned in a better case and came from a better company, I might have kept it. I went back to 16-bit gear and have been happy. I bet you would get better results using portable gear that already has an onboard 24-bit ADC, such as the Edirol R09 that a lot of people rave about . Have you been to taperssection.com? They talk a LOT about this type of stuff. Check it out!