Hello all.
I have a strange issue with my Fredenstein Bento 2. I have purchased a C2584 (format 500) from Bart HRK.
But i have an issue with the right channel. No sound when a color module is in. And without color module, i have a difference of level between right and left channel of nearly 8Db...
So i send back the module to BartHRK and he conduct several test. From his side, no problems.
He send me back the module and im still waiting for it.
Is there anyone who've got same problem?

maybe someone from Fredenstein could answer?

Thanks

I’ve not had that problem, but my bento 2 only supplies 15v of phantom power instead of the required 48v.

Thanks for feedback. Good to know. Hopefully i don't need phantom power (yet).

I want to Apologize. I know It can be very aggravating when a piece of gear is not working the way it should.

With that being said, we are the North American distributor for Fredenstein and would definitely work to resolve this issue.

Give our office a call at (614) - 732 - 0777 or give aaron@musicmaxinc.com an email and he can help you out.

-MMXD

Now that's customer support!

That's a good thing! I'd wondered about the company since they have a very aggressive line of reasonably priced gear. Seemed like trying to make a dent and have an innovative eq it seems marrying (I think) digi tech in a 500 format....

I have same problem! My Bento 2 only supplies 16 volts of phantom power. Some condenser mics seem to operate just fine off that low voltage as well...

I've read various issues with those boxes here on GS... Im currently using the Neve 6 channel as well as the Heritage OST-4. Gotta say, lack of features on the Heritage boxes, but they are high quality and quite inexpensive.

Works well here with a couple of DIYRE EQP5's in, but then they don't need phantom.

Just got a bento 2. It's power supply gives cracking noise when turned off. Sounds something cheap or may be a faulty unit.

Noise is not from bento 2. It's neve 1073lb

I had a similar noise issue with the bento 2 and heritage 73jr. The power supply in the bento and the transformer in the heritage did not get along. I got a lot of noise on the second gain setting and the third was just too noticeable especially when I engaged the hpf.

I Used a lot of other preamps in the bento 2 with no problem. I also checked the heritage in a different rack, same outlet and it was dead quiet.

I Just bought one for a pair of JLM La500. So far it’s worked as expected

Problem with Bento 2 here too.
I used it with Api 512c without problem.
Today I installed a Burl B1 Into it and no signal go out!
Some idea?

It seems to be certain transformers and the bento racks. In my Bento 2 I used Avedis MA5, Daking 500 mic pre, CAPI vp28, API 527, API 565 and Heritage 73 jr.

The only one I had noise issues with was the 73 jr. Its hard to just blame Bento since all of my other modules had zero problems.

I also recently had a BAE 11 space that had horrible, horrible noise in my place. It was especially loud with a daking 500 pre. I had to get a completely different brand, HA OST, which has zero hum/noise. I think we can all agree BAE is top notch and has a much higher expectation of quality than Bento. But, there I was in the midst of hum.

My point is that sometimes a module and a rack, or a rack and a studio space, just don't play nice for one reason or another. It can be very challenging to determine the actual fault.

I hope you can find the problem between your bento and Burl. If not, you may have to switch one out

To be honest, I used it with the API 512c last days, and zero problems.
I suspect the problem is with the Burl... But I don't know if Burl has problems or if there's a "no compatibility" with Bento (Burl needs more mA?).
These days I'll test it with other lunchboxes to narrow down the problem.
However, standing ovation for Fredestein's assistance who responded to my email after 10 minutes, looking for a solution Cfahrk

I'll let you know

A different rack will tell you what’s going on hopefully. Good luck

Of course. I'll do it

Brad the Louder than Liftoff guy was looking into how racks effect sound. I'd be interested when he publishes his findings. I would think power is a big deal.....

Ok, the problem is solved!
Bento works fine with Burl B1 too!
The problem was a broken cable....
Thanks to everybody!
Simon

Awesome!

My Bento 2 has been working just fine with a Neve 511 and a Camden 500. Just wanted to add an affirmative voice that I've had no supplied power issues, noise issues, or weak phantom power. I'm a big fan of it, I want to grab the Bento 8 Pro next to expand. If it works as well as my Bento 2 I'm going to be very pleased at the money saved from a competitor I was also considering. Enough price difference to buy another module or two!

This thread came up for me searching about an issue with my Fredenstein F200. It only outputs 13.8V phantom power on both channels. Neither of my transformerless mics are working with that, but when I tried some old Rode NT5s they are working perfectly fine with it... Is there anything I can do to raise the phantom power, or is this a common issue with some Fredenstein units I have to live with and get some external phantom power for it?

The Bento 2 supplies the full 48V for me (checked via DMM). I did own the F200 for a very short time an was very unimpressed (despite it being exactly what I wanted on paper). I didn't check phantom power on it but I did use a stereo pair of SDCs on it and they powered on just fine.

I can only use 1 side of my Bento 2. If I use both sides neither work. I have 2 Bento 6s that work great.

I know this is an old thread, but just thought it might be of some use for future reference. I have owned a Bento 2 for four months and really didn't try it out with condenser mics until just recently. It was unable to power a new AKG C414B XLII using a number of different 500 series modules, including an API 312. However, that mic works fine with a rackmount channel strip and console preamps. I decided after reading this thread to measure the voltage on the Bento's phantom power rail. I have to stress that with no load connected and even no modules installed the Bento 2 is creating just 10.7 volts on the 48V rail. I believe with a mic connected it would probably register a much lower value. There can't be too many condenser mics that will work on 10.7V or less! I bought the Bento from Sweetwater, which was probably a good move because after 4 months they are still willing to exchange it (upgrading to an API).

Aaron here from MusicMax - It is best you returned your unit to SW. I myself can confirm a Bento 2 working as Fredenstein had spec'd will output 48V. Apologies you had this experience sir.

Hi Aaron, I just posted my own thread about my Bento 2 experience - 2 brand new units that both have a visibly crooked front panel - not bent or damaged, just shoddy manufacturing. Is there any way to address this? I mailed Fredenstein direct but no reply. Any help you can give much appreciated!

Good Afternoon sir!

Apologies for the late response. Please reach out to the point of sale you purchased the units from. They can initiate the process. Are you located in the US?

Thanks, I replied in the other thread. Sorted w VK and all good, but def a manufacturing issue.