How can i increase my imput signals?

  • Thread starter Thread starter glenroy
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glenroy

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I bring the signals from the keyboards, guitars and bass directly to my Topaz 24-48 analog mixing board before i send them off to my pre-amps connected to my computer's Sonar X1 program. Sometimes the signals are weak and i have to turn up the gain too far on my mixing board in order to get a decent level. Is there anything i can do between the instruments and the board besides DI boxes to give me a clean imput signal or is that my only option. I would appreciate the advice. My studio's site is newgroovestudio.com if you want to hear some of my work.
 
Not sure why you are using a mixer and then pre-amps? Are you mixing down to 2-track on the console and then capturing on your PC?

What interface are you using?

If you're using instruments with passive pick-ups, then you will need a DI input to provide a high input impedance to avoid loading down the pick-ups and getting a weak signal.

On the face of it, I can't see why you would not get sufficient gain from the console.

It will help if you can be more specific with details of your hardware chain.

Paul
 
I'm assuming when you say "pre amps" you mean "interface" rather than taking a line level signal into a pre amp.

For the guitar and bass, the outputs will be "instrument level" rather than line level which is what the jack inputs on your mixer will be set up for. FYI, instruments tend to put out a significantly lower signal than line level.

The better way to handle this will be to invest in a couple of DI boxes (or one with two channels) and run your guitar/bass into these then into the mic level input on your mixer.

For the keyboard, I don't understand the issue. Most keyboards have their own level controls and are capable of putting out more than enough signal for the line level input on a mixer.
 
Thanks for the advice, I use the analog board to get that warm sound that it gives and also it helps organize all of the imputs. I can send each individual track via the tape outs to my preamps up to 24 tracks, then to my Sonar X1 program. I will try the DI boxes to help with the imput gain of the instruments, but sometimes the keyboards dont give me enough signal. Also when the guitarists bring in all of their stomps, i dont get enough signal. I dont like to turn up the imput gain too much on the mixer because it degrades when it is too high.
 
In that case, I fear the unpalatable answer may be "you need better gear".

The purpose of the gain trim on mixer is to....add gain. If it can't do so cleanly and well then the fault is with your mixer, not the sources. Yeah, you might be able to compensate by increasing gain elsewhere but that's just masking the root problem. If the mixer can't provide enough gain for a device like a keyboard, then there's a serious problem.
 
Guess I never thought about it but most of the keys I've seen seem to be more suited for an instrument amp at the 1/4 output rather than full line level. Guitar stuff will certainly need a D/I.
Line in will work for keys, I've always either gone inst D/I > mic in at the mixer, or inst in on a pre. Either way the D/I is more impedance matching than 'boost, but- it gets you into the board's mic pre which does have more natural gain than the line in.
Not sure why you'd go mixer out to a preamp though. Maybe a mix up in terminology? Did you mean converter or interface?

Anyway- make sure the keys are turned up as well.
Come back with what does the mixer's channel level say in solo mode?
What's the level on the record meter?

Getting it right up front (at the first stage/mixer/pre) is job one.
Get
 
mixsit said:
Guess I never thought about it but most of the keys I've seen seem to be more suited for an instrument amp at
Click to expand...

Hmmm...I must have been lucky--all the keys I've had to deal with have had proper line level outputs (often two for stereo) or just relied on the headphone output (which is pain).

I'll have to watch for this.
 
Bobbsy said:
Hmmm...I must have been lucky--all the keys I've had to deal with have had proper line level outputs (often two for stereo) or just relied on the headphone output (which is pain).

I'll have to watch for this.
Click to expand...
Nah IDK, didn't mean to say the typical line in wouldn't be fine for keys. As long as the needed gain is the there, and the output impeadance is lower than the in', seems like it ought to be fine.
(Just not sure what's going on with the OP's case.
 
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