can someone please generate a neural flux response for me

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JMarcomb

JMarcomb

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When I'm recording my mics into my mackie board, I will set the the signal on the level meter to read +7 db max, like the manual says. It says not to go over that. But when I record the levels on Cakewalk are slightly weak unless I turn the input level up to +10... which is above the recommened limit. What am I suppose to believe the mackie or the software? Is the signal getting weaker right before it finds its home on the harddrive. Ive been confused about this for some time... can anybody throw a few axons together for me?
Thanks :)
 
Ok, from my personal collection of anxious axons here's what I would check:
1) Sound card input level. Sounds like the the sound card control panel software is attenuating. A lot. What kinda card? Does it have consumer level -10 or pro level +4 inputs?
or
2) How weak is 'slightly weak'? -20 dB peaks, -6? -3? If you are recording at 24 bits, peaking to -6 isn't really weak.
or
3) Bad cables, wrong input? Output? Which outs are you using on the Mackie... Direct outs or inserts? Or horror of horrors, a bus output?

Answer the previous questions and we can stimulate more axons, if any are left.
-Jim
 
The Maniac has asked you all the correct questions. Here's another. Do you hear distortion or are you just concerned that the meters don't seem to be calibrated to one another?
 
Ok, it appears to my unaided eye that you are using the main outs from the mackie into the 1010. Is that correct? If so, this is not the cleanest signal path and there are so many ways to adjust level that my axons are hurting.
I would suggest using either the direct outs or the channel inserts. See this thread about it:
Mackie - 1010 connection thread

And you will need to connect a cable from each Mackie channel to a 1010 input channel. If you use the insert jack from the Mackie, then level setting will be controlled by the channel trim and 1010 control panel. If using the direct (almost) on the Mackie then the trim AND the fader will adjust the level.

Now the big question is: What are the settings for the 1010 control panel inputs? Select Monitor tab and then adjust the Mixer inputs.

The -4.1db to -2.5 peaks are plenty hot enough. Maybe what is messing with your mind is the fact that the Mackie is running in the analog domain and can output signals beyond 0 dB, but once that pristine audio enters the virtual universe it can never go beyond digital 0. Every signal must live in a sub-zero environment. Hence that cold digital sound. :-)
So your ultimate level reference needs to come from the 1010 control panel, assuming you haven't overloaded the previous Mackie gain stages which can result in that harsh analog sound.

I think you'll find if you connect using the direct outs or insert jacks and setting the 1010 input levels from the control panel that setting levels will take less axons and decibels. Now, back to the music. Hope this helps,
- Jim
 
A couple of things I see. First, it looks like the channel trims are very high. This could be related to the second thing I see, the inputs on the 1010 have a level input selector (-10/+4) and it appears to be set at +4. If the MAckie is outputting a -10 level, that's where the 1010 is starving for level and also why you have to drive the mic pre's so hard to get level.
 
:) boy you guys know your stuff

I originally had the mackie hooked up using the channel outs, but changed to the main outs so I could use the faders and EQ, but it looks like I will change it back if I can get a cleaner signal the other way.
Here is my control panel settings... the first thing I noticed is the sample rate changed down to 22,050... hmmm.. Ive been recording at a low sample rate.. howd that happen?

http://home.mindspring.com/~marcomb/deltasettings.jpg

Yes... trackrat my trim knobs were pretty high when I was recording my guitar cabinet. Is the Delta supposed to be set to -10 when connected to the channel inserts? It definitley seems like the delta is starving for signal.

Originally posted by ManiacThe -4.1db to -2.5 peaks are plenty hot enough. Maybe what is messing with your mind is the fact that the Mackie is running in the analog domain and can output signals beyond 0 dB, but once that pristine audio enters the virtual universe it can never go beyond digital 0. Every signal must live in a sub-zero environment. Hence that cold digital sound. :-)
Click to expand...
Man.. that clears a ton up... I didnt know that ;)

You guys are great help...
Please repost if you see some more problems.
Thank you :)
 
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The 1010 has +4/-10 switches by each channel...they're not in the control panel like on the Delta44 and 66.

The channel inserts on the mackie will probably be -10. Flip the switches on your Delta to -10. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using either -10 or +4 on the Delta...use whichever gives you the best signal.

Slackmaster 2000
 
The Mackie is neither +4 or -10...its in between!!?! ...so you might want to set the 1010 to -10 when using the insert jacks. With a really hot mic signal I've been fine with using the +4 setting, but as usual YMMV.

Bummer about the sample rate change. You could select the 'Rate Locked' toggle to force it to stay at your desired rate. What recording software are you using? The 1010 will allow the DAW program to reset the sample rate. Usually when you're not looking, unless you lock it from the control panel.

-Jim
 
Yes .. Im going to be using the -10 setting while recording tonight.
I hope I can get a hotter signal :)
Im using Sonar.. Maniac
I will also lock my sample rate... I think I recorded one of my last songs in 22kz :( bummer
I also ordered some Mogami cable and connecters to make all my cables the same to get rid of some more variables.
my spanish guitar also comes next week.... Im sooo happy :) I cant wait.
thanks again friends
 
Wow~!

Just listened to some of your stuff on nowhereradio...just wanted to chime in and say that I really liked it.

Keep up the great work!!

GreyGhost
 
I resent all this secret, geek code, tech talk, going on behind the backs of innocent musicians.

:D
 
hey.. thanks for tuning in grey ghost :)

hix... hehe .. thats how I feel when reading some of Harveys posts :)
now it looks like the capacitance it a bit high between the amplifier and the choke
schematic :eek:
 
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