mixer/multitrack calibration

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Peck

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I have an analog newbie question for you guys.

I noticed that the meter levels on my mixer are not reading the same as my multitrack recorder meters. I have a "1kHz slate" button on the mixer. From what I've gathered this is what I use to calibrate the mixer to my multitracker.

Is that correct? Any suggestions on how to do it? Is it easy to do?.... or would I better off getting someone who knows what they're doing...

one more thing... How do I clean scratchy faders/pots? It's an older mixer that hasn't seen a lot of use in a while... so it is a bit noisy right now. Thanks for your time.
:D
 
I use DeoxIT for pots, relays, switches etc... works magic.
CAIG also got some speacial products for faders ... look there on the left/down
*********
I have no idea about how to calibrate things "right". I "pick the reference from the sky" :D :o :o :o
something to read: HERE
What's your multi-track, what's your mixer, how different the readings are?

/respects
 
Dr. Zee,

Thanks for the deoxit suggestion. I'll have to get some.

The mixer is an allen heath system 8 (24 ch. 8 buss). the multitracker is an otari mx5050 8 track 1/2 inch. The mixer's readings are usually 15db less i think. I get the signal to around 0db on the otari and then I'll look at the mixer and it is barely reading the signal. Seems like something that would take a really long time. Like I would have to recalibrate the otari to line up the levels with the mixer. I would rather not have to do that... anyway, thanks for the help... it's working fine for now i guess. :)

Robert
 
Peck said:
I have an analog newbie question for you guys.

I noticed that the meter levels on my mixer are not reading the same as my multitrack recorder meters. I have a "1kHz slate" button on the mixer. From what I've gathered this is what I use to calibrate the mixer to my multitracker.

Is that correct? Any suggestions on how to do it? Is it easy to do?.... or would I better off getting someone who knows what they're doing...
Click to expand...

I've been using the direct outs on a little Mackie. I turn my recorder gain settings up about 6dB so that a -2 dBm signal registers 0VU on the recorder. That's just to keep the unbalanced send on the Mackie from having to work too hard and distort. The balanced out from my Altec mike mixer has no problem driving the inputs at +4 dBm.

Otto
 
Peck said:
Dr. Zee,

Thanks for the deoxit suggestion. I'll have to get some.

The mixer is an allen heath system 8 (24 ch. 8 buss). the multitracker is an otari mx5050 8 track 1/2 inch. The mixer's readings are usually 15db less i think. I get the signal to around 0db on the otari and then I'll look at the mixer and it is barely reading the signal. Seems like something that would take a really long time. Like I would have to recalibrate the otari to line up the levels with the mixer. I would rather not have to do that... anyway, thanks for the help... it's working fine for now i guess. :)

Robert
Click to expand...

How do you have it wired?

The Otaris have switchable line level between -16 dB and +4 dB. The xlr outputs are unbalanced and pin-3 is hot. It should be in the "Low" position and connected to the 1/4" line inputs, not the xlr mic inputs of the A&H.

So the cables should be xlr on one end and 1/4" on the other, with pin-3 from the Otari wired to the tip, and pin-1 wired to the sleeve of the 1/4" connector.
 
I'm skimmin' THIS PAGE ...
I see in specs: Normal Operating Level +4dBv or -8dBv switchable.
So where is the "magic" switch (or switches)? Can you find it somewhere ? ...it can be on the back somewhere ...
*********
also, be sure to check this 'rant' ... just in case :D
 
The xlr inputs are switchable, but the 1/4" line inputs are set at -15 dB.
 
xlr to 1/4"

So the cables should be xlr on one end and 1/4" on the other, with pin-3 from the Otari wired to the tip, and pin-1 wired to the sleeve of the 1/4" connector.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot Beck! Yeah I have just been using xlr to xlr from the otari to the board (with the otari switch on LOW). There is my problem I guess (the cables). Could that have created other issues such as noise/hum? I'm guessing it could have.

As far as wiring, is it not as simple as just buying an xlr to 1/4" cable for each track? I've never done any wiring with cables, so I have no idea how to wire the pins the way you described. I guess I could figure it out if I had to...

zee,

thanks for that link too. I'm going to read it in a bit.

Robert
 
Peck said:
Thanks a lot Beck! Yeah I have just been using xlr to xlr from the otari to the board (with the otari switch on LOW). There is my problem I guess (the cables). Could that have created other issues such as noise/hum? I'm guessing it could have.

As far as wiring, is it not as simple as just buying an xlr to 1/4" cable for each track? I've never done any wiring with cables, so I have no idea how to wire the pins the way you described. I guess I could figure it out if I had to...

zee,

thanks for that link too. I'm going to read it in a bit.

Robert
Click to expand...

Robert,

For sure… whenever you have low level unbalanced going to +4 balanced you can pick up hum and noise.

Is your A&H System 8 board a model 2416? There were a couple different versions of the 24-channel. Regardless there will be ¼” inputs labeled “Tape Return” or if not those look for ¼” inputs labeled “Line.”

For cabling you can use one of the following solutions from Hosa or another brand:

Get an 8-channel XLR female to ¼” snake.
http://www.hosatech.com/hosa/products/PXF-800.html

The only problem is they don’t come with pin-3 hot, so you would have to open the xlr connectors and resolder the wires.

Another option is separate xlr-to-¼” cables, which can be ordered with pin-3 hot. To order the following Hosa cables from anyone as pin-3 hot you just need to add /3 to the end of the model number. Hosa Model PXF-110/3 is what you need.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PXF110/

There are other manufacturers and some have snakes wired pin-3 hot but things can get expensive.

One thing to look out for is that a previous owner may have rewired the Otari connectors as pin-2 hot for compatibility with current standards. If you aren’t the original owner you may want to contact the person you bought it from to be sure.

You have an enviable system there… nice 8-track and nice board.

~Tim
:)
 
Last edited:
Hey, I just sold an 8 track (it's being picked up today). I have an 8-track XLR female to 1/4" TRS snake that I will sell for $50 plus shipping. I think it's pin 3 hot, since I think I rewired it for my old 3M machine. All you would need to do is open up each XLR plug and clip out or unsolder the wire connection to pin 2 and reassemble.

If you're interested, send me a PM.

Otto
 
Tim,
Thanks for all the great info. The board is an allen heath 24-16 and yeah, the 1/4" inputs are labeled line. It's the grey one (mkIII?). Anyway, I really appreciate everything. I'm hoping that when I redo the cabling that the hum will go down. I'll let you know.

Otto,

I might take you up on that offer. Thanks for letting me know. I'll send you a pm in the next week or so if I don't end up buying them new. Hey, how do you give rep points on this board? Is that something users give each other for help they receive.. I'm assuming...

Thanks again. :)
Robert
 
Your assumption is correct.
To give rep you click on the "scale of justice" icon at the top right of A POST FROM THE PERSON YOU WISH TO REP, it will then offer two choices I approve or I disaprrove and a comment "window" in which you can state a reason for giving the rep.


:)
 
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