C1 with Art Tube Pre Settings Question?

[George Parler]

I recently bought a SP C1 and an Art Tube MP mic pre. I'm really just getting my feet wet in the home studio arena.

I am recording to PC, and from some of the other posts that I've read here say I need to make sure I have a good hot signal going in. I have no problem there. I am getting a good hot signal to the PC but I am well below clipping on the pre. Would it make any difference in the end if I increased the input hot at the pre and cut back on the output from the pre going to the PC. I guess what I'm asking is what would be the proper way to adjust the settings on the mic pre in this case. This may be a stupid question but I'm dumb enough to ask it. That is if it makes any since to anybody.

<><
George

 

[Henri Devill]

Hey George ..If you think of the input and the output kinda like a master volume setup on a guitar amp ..The lower the output the higher the gain the more"distortion" and the other way the lower the gain the higher the output the "cleaner" the signal will be..
Hope I helped!Good luck....


Don

 

[blinddogblues]

George, I have the same preamp. I set mine so that the input is at its max level without clipping. If you read the instructions, it will tell you to set the input at the level that will cause the red light to flash occasionally. That is where I try to set mine and it sounds great. Then you set your output level wherever it needs to be to get the hottest signal to your recorder without clipping AT ALL. That's about it.

 

[George Parler]

Thanks for the info guys. When all else fails read the instructions George. In my zeal to play with my new toys I overlooked that part of the instructions for some reason.

I layed down some tracks with the C1 and I must say I was not disapointed. Its definitely going on my keeper shelf. Darn! Now I've got to find something else to use as a door stop.

<><
George

 

[Henrik]

That said, don't be afraid to experiment with the settings. You may find you prefer less overdrive for vocals, but maybe more overdrive sound for guitar - for one of your songs, and the opposite for the next song. Let your ears decide.

Cheers
/Henrik