Toneport UX1

[wakinglife]

Hi All,
I made the unfortunate error of buying a UX1 instead of a UX2 not realising the UX1 doesn't have a phantom power which is what i need for using my AKG perception 200 condenser microphone. Is it better to get a cheap mixer or a mic preamp to solve this problem?
I really am a little lost. I can't afford more than $200 (AUD) on this.

Any advice would be awesome... Thank you

[tacman7]

You can buy a $100 mic pre that uses a real 12ax7 tube, less if you get it used. Then spend $30-40 for a vintage tube to put in it.
That made my cheapee preamp sound 100% better. I found a Mullard tube made in the 60's and I used 12au7, better for vocal.
The 12a series are interchangeable, so you can try 12ay7, 12at7, etc. All with different sounds. Interesting to hear the real tube sound.
Also works for guitar.

[Electriclight]

ART MP preamp is going for $29 new these days.