Help with Symetrix/Audiophile card

[Bordican]

This is embarassing since I don't know what I'm talking about in the least. I bought a Symetrix SX202 off ebay a while ago, just hooked it up. Here is my setup:
2 Neumann KM184 condensers into
Symetrix mic pre into
Midiman Audiophile card into
Pentium 4 1.6 gig HD, 256K RAM dedicated computer
For right now I'm using Cakewalk. I am recording solo acoustic guitar in stereo with the KM 184s. I hooked everything up, and one of the channels appears to be fine (registering on the cakewalk meter normally), however the other channel barely registers on the meter, even with the gain cranked up all the way. I switched the cords on the back of the Symetrix and the other channel worked. So, it must be the Symetrix, right? I am using the unbalanced outs because the Audiophile has unbalanced I/O, but I noticed that the cords the guy at Guitar Center sold me (monster cable) say BALANCED on them. Is there such a thing as unbalanced cable, and could that be my problem? Lastly, if the Symetrix is toast, would the Audio Upgrades uprgrade most likely solve the problem by replacing the Op Amps? Any info would be appreciated. Take it easy on me, I am very new to this. Thanks!

 

[littledog]

This sounds like a job for... TA-DA-DA-DAAAA... TECH-MAN (or woman)!!! Lucky you, living in Philadelphia (as opposed to Overshoe, Idaho) where you have access to any number of fine technicians who will examine, troubleshoot, and repair your unit for a reasonable price.

Symetrix probably has an authorized facility in your area - check their website or call for info. Probably some component costing all of $1.50 crapped out or got disconnected and you should be up and running in no time with some knowledgeable assistance.

 

[knownuttin]

The dodgy channel that barely registers on your meters, does it pass any signal? Or just noise? If you haven't checked already, try this: Hook up your microphone to the problem channel, nothing on the other one. Plug a pair of headphones into the unbalanced output for the problem channel. Good signal, weak signal, noise?

Don't forget the idiot check things like is phantom power on, have you got the -15db pad punched in, how's the gain set, etc.

Let us know. And don't feel bad. Hope we can help.
-kent