Getting very low levels balanced

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Pahtcub

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I just got my balanced XLR-TRS cables so I could hook up my peavy tube fex guitar pre striaght to my delta1010 via direct outputs on my tube fex, but when I try to get levels, I get barely anything even with the preamp peaked and the input on -10. Then when I switch back to the unbalanced TS outputs I get tons of level. Do I need a DI box?? It's already balanced, I don't understand why it would need ANOTHER preamp. Any help here?

Pat
 
are you sure those direct outs aren't for TRS cables for sending and receiving from an external fx unit rather than XLR outputs for sending to a recording device?
 
I'm not understanding what you're saying, on the back of the tube fex it says balanced direct outputs and have two XLR outputs. The Delta1010 has the TRS inputs.

Pat
 
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Where did you buy the cables from?

Seems to me the problem could be that the output for the tube fex is unbalanced. Basically what is happening is its sending the exact same signal through the + and - of the balanced cable and is phasing out when it gets to the delta.

Just make sure to check all the nobs and switches though and make sure the tube fex is indeed balanced output.

I cant find anything on peaveys site that even mentions the tube fex so i cant look up the manual our schematics to help you out more.

Danny
 
The output on the tube fex is XLR and says balanced output right on it, I was thinking that too, but on the Delta1010 side, but their website says TRS inputs, but sweetwater says TS inputs....makes me wonder.

Pat
 
Pahtcub said:
The output on the tube fex is XLR and says balanced output right on it, I was thinking that too, but on the Delta1010 side, but their website says TRS inputs, but sweetwater says TS inputs....makes me wonder.

Pat
If you have an ohm meter, plug the trs in and look for the same ohm reading on 2-1 and 3-1. If 3-1 = 0 ohm, the trs ring in the same as shield, i.e. unbalanced. (Maybe if you don't have the meter but can get enough gain, touch pins 2 and 3 without touching the shield with the other hand. Buzz on both = balanced.
wayne
 
There is no gain on the delta1010 it's just a A/D D/A converter basically, I'll have to grab my multimeter from my mom's house next weekend. Will post again when I get more info.
 
Pahtcub said:
There is no gain on the delta1010 it's just a A/D D/A converter basically, I'll have to grab my multimeter from my mom's house next weekend. Will post again when I get more info.
If there isn't any gain on the delta, maybe it's looking for a line level signal and the tube fex is only putting out a mic level. (I had one of these but the internal battery went, so I threw it out) Do you have the output of the peavey all the way up?
 
Yes the output of the peavy is pegged, ok so if it's mic level then I need a preamp right?? Or a DI box? I just wanted to get my setup balanced, ARG why is it being so dificult?!?!?!? Now I need to add another peice of equipment in the chain, do you think it's worth it to balance my system?? Or just stick with direct in unbalanced?

Pat
 
Just go unbalanced. If you aren't using 75 foot cables or near any noise sources, the noise that the unit makes will cover up anything the cables will pick up.
 
well it's right near two computers and a monitor, and cell phones....but ok I guess I'll just go unbalanced.....anyone need 3ft XLR-TRS cables??? brand new!
 
You will need them sooner or later. You should keep them, they come in very handy.
 
Farview said:
You will need them sooner or later. You should keep them, they come in very handy.

I agree, never get rid of cables unless they are broke :D
 
Pahtcub said:
There is no gain on the delta1010 it's just a A/D D/A converter basically, I'll have to grab my multimeter from my mom's house next weekend. Will post again when I get more info.
I meant play back gain so you could hear the buzz when you touched the pins to test, but it sounds like you're getting it worked out. ;)
Wayne
 
3ft female XLR to TRS? What else could I possibly use that for?
 
The balanced out of a compressor to a patchbay, for example. Just keep them, trust me.
 
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