#1201720 - 02/27/13 01:38 AM
Trying to get better mic input levels
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Monkeyfingers
Planeteer
Registered: 11/22/02
Posts: 45
Loc: St. Charles, Illinois
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Using a 2480, with an AKG C3000B, can I benefit by using a Mackie 1402 VLZ to boost the mic input? And if so, how would I connect the two (from which output to which input?)
Does the Mackie have any real useful value with the 2480 at all?
Thanks.
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"Don't die with your music still in you."
"Sleep is for losers."
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#1201744 - 02/27/13 03:38 AM
Re: Trying to get better mic input levels
[Re: Monkeyfingers]
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uptildawn
Planeteer
Registered: 12/15/01
Posts: 9021
Loc: on land
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The Mackie could provide phantom power if needed, it has ok preamps when used at low gain settings, it could provide a boost before the VS input if needed, you might use it to submix certain inputs to a smaller number of VS channels (like 8 drum mics to a stereo pair)..... there are other uses, such as a possible headphone tap point.....
Which outputs you'd use on the Mackie would depend on how you are using the mixer and which outputs you felt sent the cleanest signal. Which inputs you'd use on the VS would depend on the intended destination of your sources (coming out of the Mackie).
Experiment before using it in a do-or-die situation for best results.
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uptildawn
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#1201745 - 02/27/13 03:45 AM
Re: Trying to get better mic input levels
[Re: uptildawn]
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Monkeyfingers
Planeteer
Registered: 11/22/02
Posts: 45
Loc: St. Charles, Illinois
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OK, thanks... I'll give it a try. What I was thinking was to use the mixer's XLR input for the mic, tweak all the appropriate levels, add a mono compressor in the mixer insert section, and feed the results to the XLR input on the 2480. It sounds like it would work, but I haven't hooked anything up yet.
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#1201805 - 02/27/13 04:31 PM
Re: Trying to get better mic input levels
[Re: Monkeyfingers]
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Monkeyfingers
Planeteer
Registered: 11/22/02
Posts: 45
Loc: St. Charles, Illinois
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I thought I'd add to my last post. I also have a VS880EX, which is reformatted, fresh, and ready to use. I haven't used it since I upgraded to the 2480. But referring to my original post regarding trying to increase the gain, using an external compressor/limiter (Symetrix 501 and MXR 31 band EQ, both mono), how can I use the 880 to achieve better mic input levels to the 2480? I'm sure that has to be better than the Mackie 1402VLZ. Or can I use both the Mackie and 880 "chained" into the 2480 for real hot levels? Any thoughts on this?
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"Sleep is for losers."
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#1201810 - 02/27/13 04:47 PM
Re: Trying to get better mic input levels
[Re: Monkeyfingers]
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uptildawn
Planeteer
Registered: 12/15/01
Posts: 9021
Loc: on land
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As far as I'm concerned, the more direct you input chain, the less chance there is of generating unwanted noises.
The lack of "hot"ness you might be experiencing may not be due to your input gain. The VS input will only handle so much before it overloads, afterall.
Much of the hotness is achieved after the recording takes place, during mix phases. What's important at the input is clarity, lack of noise and color/shape, or transparency, depending on the circumstances. Hot levels are nice, but not a necessity in the digital recording world...... but NO CLIPPING is a must!
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uptildawn
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#1201816 - 02/27/13 05:13 PM
Re: Trying to get better mic input levels
[Re: uptildawn]
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Monkeyfingers
Planeteer
Registered: 11/22/02
Posts: 45
Loc: St. Charles, Illinois
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My mic input levels on the 2480 are perfect, and never approach clipping. I just thought that by using an external compressor/limiter/EQ on the "input" channel, and recording it "wet," would help the signal from the start. Then edit the track using the 2480's effects, dynamics, and EQ.
I'll have to experiment today and let you know how it works out.
Thanks again.
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"Sleep is for losers."
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#1450600 - 02/23/16 07:43 PM
Re: Trying to get better mic input levels
[Re: Monkeyfingers]
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Slabraton
Planeteer
Registered: 12/16/12
Posts: 16566
Loc: California
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"What I was thinking was to use the mixer's XLR input for the mic, tweak all the appropriate levels, add a mono compressor in the mixer insert section, and feed the results to the XLR input on the 2480.
can I use the 880 to achieve better mic input levels to the 2480? I'm sure that has to be better than the Mackie 1402VLZ. Or can I use both the Mackie and 880 "chained" into the 2480 for real hot levels?"
The Mackie 1402VLZ is relatively colorless, so if that's what you want it will do the job. But it won't make it sound "musical" the way a great analog board will. But I wouldn't record to the VS without a preamp on the front end.
I disagree with you about the 880 vs the Mackie. The 880 isn't going to raise anything except your noise level. the preamps are crap. However, I've had some luck using a 880 as a compressor on the front end of a 890.
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#1451829 - 03/01/16 02:43 AM
Re: Trying to get better mic input levels
[Re: Slabraton]
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Slabraton
Planeteer
Registered: 12/16/12
Posts: 16566
Loc: California
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After using a Mackie for a while, I have gone back to my Yamaha MG/6 mixer because the EQ has sweepable mids and I like the preamps better than on the Mackie.
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