Tascam 414 Problem ????

[topspin]

Hi everyone. I just bought a 414 off Ebay and I'm not sure the stereo inputs are working properly. I know they are intended to be effect returns but I wanted to use them as additional inputs as I want to tape 5 musical instruments at the same time live. It seems to me the gain of the stereo inputs are not equal to the main 4 other mixer channels. The manual says I should be able to set the level of the "5-6" stereo channel or the "7-8" stereo channel to the 2 o'clock position and get a normal gain. I have max'd out the level onctrols on the 5-6 or the 7-8 stereo inputs and the main monitor mix tells me that the gain is still a good bit less than the main 4 mixer channels to where I may not be able to use the stereo inputs to monitor live plus record. Is this normal for these units? Or should the gain be equivalent to what I have in the 4 mixer channels?

thanks...JD

[Nico2112]

I'm no expert on the matter, but when I tried the same thing with mine, I got the same results as you mention. I managed to make it by lowering the gain in the main 4 channels, and compensating through the master fader. It was an emergency while mixing a gig long time ago.
After that experience, I started using an additional mixer for those purposes.
I know my coment didn't help, sorry.
Cheers!

[A Reel Person]

I've not played with the 414mkII's inputs 5/6/7/8 to know for sure, but it sounds about right. Remember, they are just "straight" line level inputs, with level pots but no boost or preamp. To turn those 5/6/7/8 inputs up to "10" might be appropriate, depending on how "hot" your instrument output is.

Also, as Nico said above, you can adjust for proper levels by compensating & adjusting down the other 4 inputs, then using the Master fader to boost the overall level to what it should be. It's not something I've used to know from experience (on the 414),... but I've used them on the 424mkII and it's relatively the same.

Do what you need to, as far as adjusting levels, and you'll be fine. The Inputs 5/6/7/8 seem to be working fine, based on your description.

[topspin]

HEY thanks so much, and yes that makes sense...there is no pre amp on the INPUTS!


I will take your guys suggestions to level the inputs...