Mic pre and patchbay

[XTREEMMAK]

I'm using an API lunch box that has an XLR in and out on the back and I would like to have a way to use 1 input somewhere that can be patched to be fed in and out of the unit. I'm using an RME Device that sends line level outputs in the back, mic in the front. So what I was trying to do was run my mic through port 7 and use the direct out on the back to go to my patchbay. I would patch into the input of my preamp in the lunch box, then out back into the interface on another channel (or the same channel if the interface can support it). Nothing is coming out. I figure that it's because the interface needs to send phantom power to the mic first considering I'm coming in as a mic level input and then out as a line level input on the back. So I switched and turned on the phantom power on the unit and turned off the phantom power on the preamp and still nothing. I dont want to damage my equipment by turning both phantoms on. What am I doing wrong? I'm able to get an input when I go directly to the prebox, but that just defeats the purpose.

What I essentially want to do is have it so that any channel I plug into the interface with, I can patch in the pre amp at will and feed it back into a channel...Also, how would I be able to get to the mic pre from two different areas? Split the XLR signal with something like this? http://sewelldirect.com/xlr-splitter-male-to-2-female.asp

 

[guitarmagic]

Why aren't you plugging your mic into the api directly? Why go through your interface than into your api than back into the interface?

You would probably get signal if you plug the mic into the api take that output and put it into a line input on your interface.

 

[NeveSSL]

Just FWIW, be very careful with phantom power and 1/4" or bantam patchbays... you can easily short out the phantom supply plugging cables in if its not turned off AND all the caps are discharged.

Brandon