A search on the board didn't come up with a solution so....

I'm using a ElectoVoice RE50/B mic for field ENG work. I need a recommendation for a inexpensive (right, like anything in this field is inexpensive) mic preamp to feed a portable microwave transmitter. It needs to be battery operated, XLR in and out and would be great if it had adjustable gain and a peak indicator. Any suggestions??

I've found the Shure FP 23 which would be perfect .... Except its $400. Thanks!

Rob,
The Sound Devices MM-1 (http://www.sounddevices.com/products/mm1master.htm) is top-notch and would more than fill your bill. But it's $475.

Rob,
As a less expensive alternative, take a look at the Rolls PM50 (http://www.rolls.com/new/pm50sob.html). Brian Dickman noted this in a thread (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6267&perpage=15&highlight=preamp&pagenumber=2) a while back.

I just designed one of them for my aplication.
If you are capable to build it, than I can sent you schematic.
Will run on 1.5 to 9 V battery and has adjustable gain from 0 to 10dB. Also is equiped with input and output transformer and selectable ground.
Cost to build this unit for one microphone will run about $30.

Ken, acutally have the Rolls box, works great for a boom op with headphones but the XLR mic connections are just hard wired pass through, not amplified at all.

Peter, appreciate the input but building a board is beyond my abilities. If its a kit that just needs assembly, I'm up for that!

Thanks to both. I'll keep looking. Hard to believe there isn't a simple box for this.

It sounds like you're looking for one of those "battery boxes" that mini-disk owners frequently use to make bootleg recordings of concerts. Try doing a search at www.minidisc.org.

Hey Peter, i'm interested in the schematics. I need a pre amp but now i dont have the funds to buy one.

Thanks