Echo Audiofire Low Input Level

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tallen9497

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I just got an Echo Audiofire 12 (AF12) for my project studio. I'm pretty new to band recording and just learning all the hook-ups and stuff. I have used the Tascam US-800 with good success, but the drivers wont stay loaded in Win 7, so it's to frustrating to use. Anyway, I got the AF12 hooked up today and tested it out. The only problem I'm having right now is that the input levels seem really low, so the wav file image in the track is tiny. I have to really crank the preamps on the board and in the software, and the levels are still to low. Do I need better preamps? Or different setup? I'm using a Yamaha MG-166c mixer, Shure SM58 and Beta 87 mics, Windows 7 64 bit with Sonar X1 DAW software. I'm plugging the mics into the mixer XLR channel inputs, then running 1/4" outs from the insert jacks to the AF12 inputs. Firewire to computer. Using an AF12 out to powered monitor. Everything works and it records. I just have to crank the pregains on the board to get input signal on the AF12 and in Sonar.

Thanks
 
Could be a line level mismatch.
Most interfaces like that have the option to choose +4 or -10 line level.
It's probably a software option, so have a look for that in your Echo software.

That said, the insert points are 0dBu. I duno if that's enough to cause the problem.
Worth checking. :)


Other than that, could the echo be fussy about unbalanced inputs?
Try a balanced main output from your board just to see.
 
The visual size of the track wave form is not a good indication. You need to refer to your track meters.

What are the input signals peaking at? If you are seeing peaks of -12dB, or even -18dB then all should be fine.

While mixing, just turn up the volume on your monitors. Don't concern yourself with loudness until the end.

The Audiofire should cope with the unbalanced line from your console inserts.
 
I did change the line level from +4 to -10 and the input level went up some. The level comes up to about -24 on the meter, with the pres cranked. thats using the SM58 mic and siging loud right into the mic.
 
Are you connecting the console to the Audiofire with a TRS cable or TS cable?

If you are using TRS, I suggest using TS, since the Ring on the connector is an input back to the console which could be messing with the balanced input on the Audiofire.
 
I'm using a hi quality TS cable. It's a 6' snake with 8 TS cables. The AF12 manual says it campatible with TRS and TS.
 
I'm going to try my Mackie 808 mixer inserts tomorrow, to see if maybe its just weak preamps on the Yamaha board.
 
Well, I'm reading all over that the Insert jack are not the best choice for tapping into you channels with an A/D interface. Sounds like the better way to go is to use direct out on the channels. Anybody have advice on this? I would like to use the AF12 for live and studio recording. My Yamaha MG-166 does not have direct outs for each channel, so I would need a different (better) mixer.
 
Here's a good article on using the Insert jacks for recording (for those interested). I still haven't solved my low input level issue though...

(oops cant post a link until I get 10 posts)
 
As PR says, try an unbalanced cable or better yet, a splitter (insert cable).

Obviously you'd only plug in one side of the split. That would eliminate any ring issues. (please.....don't)
 
I finally found the answer to my low level signal in the Audiofire 12. Using a TS plug, I have to go only to the 1st detent in the audiofire input jacks. Now my input level is fine with preamps set to normal levels. So I'm assuming if I use TRS I can plug all the way in. I dont have any TRS cables to test this, but for now I'm back in business! Thanks for all your replies...
 
Ahh, ok.
You'd may have to make up custom cables for that, or just do what you're doing.
TRS might work straight off but I'm not certain.
 
Very interesting.

I might be inclined to approach Echo tech support (via the Echo Audio website or their Facebook page) and see what you can find out.

Before spending lots of money, I would experiment with a different TS cable, as there may be something slightly out of spec with the connectors on the snake you are using.

The Audiofire should definitely handle both balanced and unbalance connections.
 
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