Line Level Preamp?

[mark4man]

I think what I need is a line level preamp (if there is such a thing.) I am running a sound module (Roland JV-1010) into an M-Audio Omni I/O (& then into a Delta 66 audio card), where MIDI tracks are recorded as audio tracks in Cakewalk Pro Audio 9. The audio line outs from the sound module doesn't have the signal strength to record an audio track of sufficient gain when it's connected to the line input of my audio interface. The recorded audio track with this signal path is weak (& probably lacking in bit depth.) If I connect the sound module line outs to the Mike/Inst input of the interface, I have great gain & can record a strong audio track, but buzz gets introduced (I think because of impedance mismatch.) I can "noise gate" the buzz out of the track in Sound Forge "Sonic Foundry", but I should't have to do that. Is there any way to preamp a line level signal to a sound card with clean "hot" gain? Is there such a device as a line level preamp? Thanks.

mw4man

 

[TexRoadkill]

You need a mixer or any preamp will work. Some preamps are made for acoustic mics and will color the sound. Look for a clean transparent preamp or a Mackie VLZ will work nicely.

 

[mark4man]

Re: Line Level Amplification

Just wanted to check back in to the board; & let anyone know who might just happen to use the same system as I do (Roland JV-1010 for MIDI, Omni Studio w/ Delta 66 for Audio & PCI Interface; & Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 for sequencing software.) I solved my dilemma by adding an EBTECH "Line Level Shifter". This is the perfect solution where sound module gain is needed & noise is hated. I have it connected between the sound module line output (-10db) & the Mike/Inst input (+4db) on the breakout box. This device works by converting the -10db side to +4db potential. It doesn't boost the gain like an amp circuit, but rather matches impedance between equipment connections. Whereas before, I had little gain going from line out to line in; & had plenty of gain but also plenty of hum when going from line out to Mike/Inst in, The Line Level Shifter permits me now to utilize that same Mike/Inst in, by totally eliminating any noise! It accomplishes this by breaking the "ground loop" between equipment. It's basically an impedance matching transformer; & transformers are able to break the ground loop by virtue of the fact that the two windings are not physically connected. If you use a sound module for MIDI; & are having trouble getting enough clean gain through a preamp to record a full scale audio track into sequencing software...go get this device (about $65.)

mark4man

 

[TexRoadkill]

Thanks for the tip.