Can This be done???

[FiVeL]

Ok I was wondering if its ok if I run my mic into a mic pre(audio buddy) Into my mixer (Behringer mixer)? The mixer already have a mic pre but I don't like it. Would this cause any conflict if I run it this way? I want to run the audio buddy by itself but all my hardware is hook up to my mixer and the mixer runs is connected to the soundcard. I dont want to go through the hassle of unplugging and plugging. Please help.

thank you..........

 

[Chibi Nappa]

That should work fine. Just make sure the trim on the Berringer is turned all the way down.

 

[geekgurl]

Also, that means you don't want to activate the Behringer's phantom power, if it has any (and you'll only be needing that from the AudioBuddy if you're using a condenser mic).

 

[sonusman]

While what you are proposing will work, in the end, you are STILL running your mic through the Behringers preamp.

Will the sound be better running the mic through the Audio Buddy first? More than likely yes. Will it be as good as if you didn't run into the mixer at all? Probably not. The preamp on the mixer is STILL going to impart some of it's sonic characteristics to the sound, and you start running into a problem with gain structure. It really isn't a good idea to have two mic preamps running in series like this. So, yes, you can do that, but it isn't the best idea either.

You would even be better off running the ouput of the preamp to an effects return. At least then, you would only be hitting on OP amp, and this is all providing that the effects return will handle a balanced signal (which I am about 99.9% it will on that particular mixer).

This is why patchbays were created. If you even just had the outputs of your mixers and the inputs of the soundcard on a patchbay you would be set.

Again, I feel it is best to avoid the mixer altogether if you have a outboard preamp.

Good luck.

And geekgurl, can we write beaufiful articles together? (you are going to think I am stalking you soon...LOL...all in fun....but the smurf avatar is just driving me batty damnit!)

Ed

 

[James Argo]

Ed, I just get confuse a little bit...
If we route the preamps output into Mixer's Line in ain't that mean we bypassing the mic's preamp of the mixer ? I dunno, but I always asume that if we turn the trim all the way left down, it will "deactivate" the mixer's preamps, or it doesn't ?

 

[sonusman]

Errrrrrrrrrr...NO! You are STILL passing through the preamp.

Line In's might or might not run through the preamp. Easy to tell. Plug something into the line in and turn up the preamp. If it turned up, the line in runs through the preamp (most mackie consoles do this....)

Most line in's just have a -10 or more pad on the preamp's input to keep the line level signal from overloading the input, that is the only difference really.

Anyway, turning the preamp all the way down just means that you have reduced the sensitivity of it in it's range. FEW console preamps offer 100% attentuation, but some do. Anyway, it is just not a good idea to have an outboard preamp running into yet another preamp.

You would possibly use one of the Stereo Line In channels (usually either left of right is the "mono" side...it will usually say which it is...), but again, now you are hitting an OP amp, and not usually a very good OP amp.

You get the cleanest, most pure signal by having the most direct route possible to the recording medium. It is best to avoid longer than neccessary cable runs and any device between the preamp and recorder. If you NEED something in between, like a compressor after the preamp, well then by all means. But to run into a mixer just because you don't want to use a patchbay or rewire is a potential (and in this case, considering the quality of the mixer, a DEFINATE) hit on sonic quality that is not necessary.

Ed

 

[sjjohnston]

What he said: the channel "line ins" on most mixers run to the preamp, they just pad the signal something like -10 or -30 dB. That's not universal, but it seems to be pretty standard on little mixers.

The input to a channel that doesn't accept mic inputs wouldn't ordinarily have mic preamp in it: stereo channels, tape returns, effects returns. Also, if you have inserts, you can come in there post-preamp.

Best course might well be a patchbay, though.

 

[TexRoadkill]

I want to run the audio buddy by itself but all my hardware is hook up to my mixer and the mixer runs is connected to the soundcard. I dont want to go through the hassle of unplugging and plugging.

Laziness is the root of all crappy recordings.

 

[sonusman]

Re: Re: Can This be done???

Laziness is the root of all crappy recordings.

Gosh Tex, I was trying to suggest that earlier, but I really like how you put it!

Ed

 

[FiVeL]

Re: Re: Can This be done???

Laziness is the root of all crappy recordings.

My bad if I made sound like i was being lazy. I just had some bad experience on plugging and unplugging. I burn a couple of my hardware because of it. Sonusman I was wondering would it be ok if I plug the audio buddy into one of the channel that has no mic pre?? I have 2 channel that just have a L and R mono plugins. Thanks for everyone help.

 

[geekgurl]

And geekgurl, can we write beaufiful articles together? (you are going to think I am stalking you soon...LOL...all in fun....but the smurf avatar is just driving me batty damnit!)

Ed

Ed, Ed, Ed, you have to understand ... I am neither that blue OR that blonde in real life ...

But I'm glad you chimed in because you are helping with what I was mistaking for good signal routing practice. I have a Digi 001, which has pres on channels 1 and 2 (Neutrik connectors). I now am going to see if the inputs on the back of the break-out box (1/4" inputs 3-8) are controlled by the knobs on the front (I think they aren't; there's software control for it that isn't on 1 and 2, so ...).

So is that what you mean? I don't use the Digi preamps unless I need them (ie, run out of external). Hasn't happened yet but it might when I record drums in the future.