How reduce Noise level of my Mackie 402 VLZ3?

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How to reduce Noise level of my Mackie 402 VLZ3?

I have noticed that when I turn my fast track pro and mixer levels at full there is a thick noise introduced and thats without turning phantom power on. I have connected mixer with FTP with the help of balanced TRS cable. Still, mixer increases the noise levels by 30dB. Mixer gain is at '0' at this point. I can't turn up the gain at any level because it increases the noise/hiss exponentially. I feel helpless at the inputs which are very low. Any way to eliminate the noise/hiss completely (during recording)?
I have also noticed that when I tried to record only FTP(Mixer turned off) the noise level is -57dB. When I turn mixer on(Gain=0, level full +12dB, Phantom power off) the noise level goes to -27dB. So it is clear that the noise/hiss is introduced by mackie only. Any solution for this?

Mackie 402 Vlz3>TRS-TRS>M-Audio Fast Track Pro>USB>PC

-To avoid Much noise I keep the FTP level at 2 o' clock I use TRS so keep the setting at line.
-I have only plugged in AKG P 120. So when phantom power is off and keeping the levels at Mackie and FTP at full the noise level is -27dB. When I turn off mackie and keep the FTP level at full the noise level is -57dB. Therefore clearly mackie adds 30 dBs of noise. If I turn on the phantom power at this point the noise level shoots up to -6dB(Levels at full)
-Mackie & PC are connected to same APC UPS. FTP is powered with USB. I have connected mackie to UPS with a 240V to 120V converter.
-No PC and Mackie both connected to same UPS and UPS to 1 power outlet
-I tried to use RCA-TS cable from Tape out and it gives same level of noise, using TRS-TRS from balanced main out doesn't reduce the noise.

I hope it clears up the situation for possible advice. TIA
 
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I bypass the FTP pres by going Insert 1, with my gear. I only use the FTP as my USB interface.

For example: Mic> Channel strip OUT(insert cable)> FTP Insert> USB to computer
This keeps me from feeding the FTP Pre with a Pre.
Dale
 
ritb said:
...When I turn mixer on(Gain=0, level full +12dB, Phantom power off)...
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If I understand correctly you have gain staging problems. Make sure your level controls are at unity (U), then set the gain so it doesn't clip (around -12 on meter is okay).

Actually I don't understand why you need the mixer? Fast track pro seems to have everything you have on Mackie. I'd skip the Mackie.
 
I bought mixer so I could the pre built into it. But can't use it because it introduces noise. I need high for kids who speak at -24dB or lower. I must say that when I use mackie my vocals are more warm than using the FTP alone.
Guys,
Pls. guide how to reduce the noise.
 
How are you connecting the Mackie to the FTP? I use an Insert Cable, like this: image.webp

You can try this:
Mic> XLR to Mackie> Mackie Main OUT-Left (RING, TIP unused) >TRS to Insert 1 on FTP

This will let Mackie control the input, and bypass the FTP preamps and gain controls.
Dale
 
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I couldn't get it fully. The ring part of the TRS-TS cable(Return to equipment's output) should be connected to the FTP out at the back?
 
plug TS RING into Mackie Main OUT-Left (TIP unused) > plug TRS into Insert 1 on the back of FTP
 
DaleVO said:
plug TS RING into Mackie Main OUT-Left (TIP unused) > plug TRS into Insert 1 on the back of FTP
Click to expand...

I do not have a TS-TRS cable so I used the existing TRS-TRS cable I have. One side into mackie Main Balanced out (L) and other side into the insert 1 at back of FTP. But my DAW or FTP didn't detect any input. There is no other cable used to connect mackie to FTP. What wrong am I doing?

Seidy said:
Move the mic closer, turn up the gain knob on fast track and add gain later in DAW when needed. I mean, is the Fast Track pre giving not enough gain?

What mic are you using?
Click to expand...
I am using AKG P 120, I don't have a pop filter yet. But in case of small kids who speak very low, I try to keep the mic as close as possible but because of mic fear they move away and away from it or move their head side ways. For those kids especially I need noise free gain. FTP has enough gain, but mackie adds noise to it, if I try to raise level above 2 o' clock. There also a gain knob in mackie which I keep at '0' because it also adds noise. Keeping both Mackie & FTP levels at 2 o' clock gives me a noise level of -42dB. So, I can't raise the levels/gain any further.
 
Instead putting mic just in front of kid raise the mic few inches and angle it down towards mouth. That way you can keep the mic close, but the performer doesn't talk straight to the mic.

Again, skip the Mackie, it's doing no good man.
 
DaleVO said:
Insert Cable: Hosatech Insert Cable, 1/4 in TRS to Dual 1/4 in TS, 1 m - 1/4 in TRS to Dual 1/4 in TS
Click to expand...

Pls. advise where should the TS connectors go? One at the back in insert1 of FTP, another ....?

Instead putting mic just in front of kid raise the mic few inches and angle it down towards mouth. That way you can keep the mic close, but the performer doesn't talk straight to the mic.
Click to expand...
I tried that too, but kids keep on moving their heads right and left and it creates problem.

Again, skip the Mackie, it's doing no good man.
Click to expand...
What other preamp do u suggest?
 
ritb said:
...So it is clear that the noise/hiss is introduced by mackie only...
Click to expand...
ritb said:
...FTP has enough gain, but mackie adds noise to it...
Click to expand...
You have answered your question - if Mackie adds noise, remove it from the signal chain and you are good to go. If the signal is a bit too low afterwards add a limiter that will raise the level and protect the output from clipping. (Search for Kjaerhus Classic limiter)

DaleVO - I don't get why are you suggesting to bypass Fast track pre when clearly the problem is in the Mackie? Seems like you are trying to fix toothache by putting a bandaid on a finger.
 
Okay. The Mackie mixer isn't great but it sure shouldn't be adding 30dB worth of noise. Even worse, turning on the phantom power shouldn't make any difference at all, certainly not raise the noise floor to -6dB.

First thing I'd try would be a different XLR cable (in case something is either shorted or one-legged) and I'd also check other inputs to see if there's simply one bad mic pre amp.

I'm also concerned that you need to turn the gain up to full on both the FTP and the Mackie. That's a shed load of gain and more than you should need unless you're miking mosquito squeaks.

Frankly this needs a bit more detective work, item by item and cable by cable. You may end up trying to return the mixer under warranty but something is surely not right.
 
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