Mixers and Impedance matching

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SteveM

SteveM

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Maybe I should put this in another forum, but can anyone direct me to some information or give me some input. I'm trying to figure out the pros and cons of using the mixer I have that is set up nominally for -10, with the Ampex tape deck I have, which is +4 outputs and inputs. I'm using an M35 mixer (I also have a M308) On the output side it is capable of putting out an unbalance -2 nominal output, but input wise has RCA inputs set up for -10. It also has transformers in the mic jack and a 40db pad. I'm wondering if it is not good to use that balanced input as an input from the tape deck.

Also the effects are set up for -10.

I know that I can use this board but I'm basically trying to see if it's maybe worth it to get another one. I just don't know what type of options are available on mixers and I'm having a hard time finding info on the web on this.
 
I have been told it is not really 'proper' to use the mic inputs with the pad as a balanced line input...that the signal is going through all sorts of unnecessary circitry (i.e. the mic preamp)...BUT, that's why they put the pad there. That's precisely the intention of that pad on the mic input. Who knows? That 'unnecessary' circuitry might add nothing perceptable, or something nice to your ears, or maybe not, but give it a try. I used to buy into the taboo and anymore I say let your ears decide because it is there for exactly what you are needing to do.

Do you have effects that you are planning on putting inline between the mixer and the 440? Or are they in the SEND/RCV jacks or in the effects loop?

How come you aren't using the 308? The group outs can be switched to +4 balanced and IIRC there is a pad on the mic inputs on that too. Bingo...+4 balanced ins and outs...4 channels for inputs and 4 channels for tape returns.
 
That's what I heard too Cory. That's exactly the type of info I'm trying to find out, so thanks. Also if it would be worth it to get another mixer with balanced or higher voltage line ins.

Yeah, the 308. I know, it also has the 0db send and return and stereo effects. I know it seems silly, but I've been trying them both and I originally intended on using the M-308 and that's what I have set up now and maybe I will use it, but I like the way the m-35 sounds better. It has better eqs and just seems to sound better. And if I do use the 308 I'd still be using pads, though it sounds fine going in the unbalanced -10 inputs, but it also does in the M-35.

The M-35 has a mono send and return effect -10 and I'm thinking of getting a Yamaha rev 7 reverb unit, nominally set up for +4. I may be better off using the 308 but I'm just trying to find out what the cons are.

I've used the M308, balanced, xlr inputs with the pad and it really doesn't sound any better than going through the line in unbalanced, at least as far as I've noticed yet. So what it boils down to, in a sense is I have two unbalanced -10 line mixers, both of which are capable of a 0db output at the busses but one, the one which I like better, that has a -10 mono effects loop.
 
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why are you concerned about a -10 effects loop? That is internal to the mixer...a loop. -10 out, -10 back in...it doesn't interface directly with the recorder, the outs to or ins from the recorder.
 
I'm just trying to investigate how these things fit together and how to get the most out of the Ampex for what I can afford.
The reverb is set up to run at +4. I know you can turn it down (or up) but I don't know if it's the same using it that way.
 
Level knobs are there for the sole purpose of getting things to match up...typically you can get it to do so, and that's what it is there for. I wouldn't sweat doing this at all for a send effect. Try it out but AFAIC you've got what you need.
 
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