gibson -> apogee ensemble -> mac pro issue

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mustardeer

New member
Just got apogee ensemble and my AKG 414s do sound better than with my firebox but having a really hard time recording my guitar. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

i plug in my '53 Gibson es-125 into ensemble's hz-2 input (high impedance), unclick phantom power in the maestro, it asks me to select -4db or +10db, i've tried both, my sequencer is ableton live, the end result is a very weak and noisy signal. I've tried all kinds of vst/eqs to bring it to life but the original signal is no good. My mac pro is a dual 3.2ghz, 8mb monster with a 3 terabyte array.

Should I use an external preamp? Or apogees preamp? I thought a guitar didn't need one.
 
mustardeer said:
Just got apogee ensemble and my AKG 414s do sound better than with my firebox but having a really hard time recording my guitar. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

i plug in my '53 Gibson es-125 into ensemble's hz-2 input (high impedance), unclick phantom power in the maestro, it asks me to select -4db or +10db, i've tried both, my sequencer is ableton live, the end result is a very weak and noisy signal. I've tried all kinds of vst/eqs to bring it to life but the original signal is no good. My mac pro is a dual 3.2ghz, 8mb monster with a 3 terabyte array.

Should I use an external preamp? Or apogees preamp? I thought a guitar didn't need one.
Click to expand...

Hello..Is the input on the Ensemble a true Hz input or it line level..? Is it a combo conector ( XLR/1/4" inside).?. If it's asking for -4/+10 sems to be speaking of line level..Maybe try using a DI box and see what happens.. Good luck...
 
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Snatchman, I believe the input on the front panel is the true high impedance input. It's not a combo connector, it's a 1/4 inch connector. While in use it disables the same channel's rear XLR input (the one for the mic).

Hoping to hear from someone who has experience with the ensemble.
 
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I imagine those Hi-Z inputs are only good for dynamic mics. For the guitar, you'll need a guitar pre-amp or the pre-amp outputs form a guitar amp plugged into the analog inputs.
 
well, the manual says to plug the guitar into the Hi-Z input. The mics should go in the back. Maybe I should try using mic's preamp with a 1/4 to XLR adapter and disable phantom power? That would give the signal more juice in theory but the impedance would be lower.

I know there are people on this board who know this stuff inside and out. Help!
 
wow, just tried calling Apogee technical support. Still on hold. 19min and counting. I think i'll give up at 30.
 
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