Subject:Recording Level Problem

Posted by: spinweb

Date:7/6/2006 6:06:22 AM

*I'm using ACID Pro 6a and the Digi002 rack as my sound card*

Here's what I did.

1. Neumann mic ----> 48V Phantom power ------> Taylor K4 EQ (https://www.taylorguitars.com/technology/k4/) -----> Digi002 Rack ----->

The digi is selected as my audio device in ACID.

Problems: 1) super low line levels (I tried both the low output cable and the regular stereo 1/4 cord into digi); 2) can't hear anything on headphones to monitor singing.

I was wondering if I'm doubling phantom power now, as I may not need it with DIGI002. Could that be problem? I have outputs CRANKED on EQ and digi and recorded levels really, really low.

Thanks!

Rick

Subject:RE: Recording Level Problem

Reply by: drbam

Date:7/6/2006 6:17:30 AM

I certainly would take the extra phantom out. I don't know if it would effect input levels but can definitely increase noise.

drbam

Subject:RE: Recording Level Problem

Reply by: jbolley

Date:7/6/2006 8:08:08 AM

Where is your mic pre? I'm guessing in the Digi002. The EQ should come after the mic pre, not before. You have a pre with phantom power in the 002. Use it and disconnect the other power source. Forget the EQ for the moment. There are switches on the back of the 002 (from pictures I've seen) to select phantom and mic for your inputs 1&2, 3&4.

Jesse

Subject:RE: Recording Level Problem

Reply by: spinweb

Date:7/7/2006 5:20:19 AM

I think I've tried everything. Now I tried going directly from the Mic into the low signal input on the back of the digi002, then trying the phantom power button up and down. Nada. Sure hope I didn't screw something up by using the other phantom power!!!

OK. I'm sure the mic and it's cable are working, as I went back to my old setup with my laptop and the mic works fine (i.e., with 48V power box and EQ). I tried plugging a straight electric guitar into the stereo 1/4 jack above where I plugged the mic and that was giving me a decent signal.

Any other ideas?!

Thanks,

Rick

Subject:RE: Recording Level Problem

Reply by: jbolley

Date:7/12/2006 2:07:37 PM

I'm not sure what the "low signal input" is.
Are you going into the XLR mic inputs?

Is the button on the front selected to mic, not line? You would need to switch this - if it worked for a guitar it is set to line in. Press the button and it is a mic input.

Any luck?

Jesse

http://akmedia.digidesign.com/products/images/digi002rack_big_11483.jpg

Subject:RE: Recording Level Problem

Reply by: spinweb

Date:7/13/2006 10:10:31 AM

Hi Jesse,

Yes, I'm going from my mic thru the XLR mic inputs. I've tried the button in the front (mic/line) both ways. Also tried the white button in back up and down. Is there something in ACID I'm doing wrong? I have the track armed to record. What about the drivers? I've selected the digi driver, but I think there are several sub-options.... none of which I know anything about.

Thanks,

Rick

Subject:RE: Recording Level Problem

Reply by: jbolley

Date:7/14/2006 7:30:18 AM

Sorry, I'm not familiar with the drivers.
Can you try your hardware setup with another audio application like ProTools, SoundForge, Audacity? I know you said it works on the laptop - was that the same version of acid?

Jesse

Subject:RE: Recording Level Problem

Reply by: Geoff_Wood

Date:7/14/2006 5:30:06 PM

If you are trying to use the Digi interface, you do really need to find out how to use it and it's drivers !

But this K4 thing - does it actually output phantom power to the mic ? I can't see a reference to phantom power anywhere on the quoted website, and it certainly would not pass phantom power from the Digi. In fact the blurb seems somewhat laking on specifics.

It appears to be designed specifically for a Taylor balanced output guitar pickup system rather than for general mic use ....

Also I would question it's usefulness in a DAW system - the blurb really sounds a little analogue-fanatic orientated. If you are going into a DAW, then why not use the DAW EQ, or get an 'up-markert' EQ plugin ?