MXL 990 Question

[FunkyMonk4004]

Hey Guys,

So I just bought my 990, and I am new to condensers, and I am having some difficulties. On my 4 track, it seems at (almost) whatever level I turn the input volume to, the OL lights up when I play. Is this normal? Thanks, and sorry for the noobish Q!

 

[moresound]

Hey Guys,

So I just bought my 990, and I am new to condensers, and I am having some difficulties. On my 4 track, it seems at (almost) whatever level I turn the input volume to, the OL lights up when I play. Is this normal? Thanks, and sorry for the noobish Q!

Is there also a gain control per track? Post a picture if possible of the control panel of your 4 track.

 

[FunkyMonk4004]

Its a tascam dp-004.... just a volume and a pan knob for each track, along with a volume for the input and a master volume. Hope that helps. I dont own a camera, sorry.

 

[moresound]

Well maybe it's normal how does the recording sound? Is it distorted?

 

[FunkyMonk4004]

It really doesnt sound all that bad actually... I was just making sure I wasn't doing anything wrong/harmful to any of the equipment.

 

[moresound]

I don't think so as long as there no distortion and it sound great go for it.

 

[shortedaman]

you have to turn down the knobs that say "input A, and input B." those are your trim knobs.they atenuate the signal level coming into the mixer. then when you get the input level below clipping, thats when your track volume comes into play. as well as your master level. also, your unit comes with a built in condenser mic. it might be better than your MXL. you might want to read your manual.

 

[shortedaman]

you know what i just noticed. of course your mxl 990 isnt working with your tascam. it has no xlr input, therefore, no phantom power. you can't use that mic without an adapter. your using an xlr to 1/4" cord aren't you. so IMO you should just go ahead and use the mic that comes installed. unless your running it through an outboard mixer first. but then that leads us to several other reasons your experiencing this issue.

 

[FunkyMonk4004]

So, to make sure I'm understanding you right.... the XLR to 1/4" has something to do with the problem? I do have a phantom ppower supply, though it is cheap. Would that affect it too?

EDIT: It isnt a straight XLR -->1/4". It's a regular cable with an adapter attatched

 

[moresound]

Read post #7 again about the trim knobs. But your getting phantom power to the mic or it would not work. Now is that a regular XLR cable with adapter or 1/4 with adapter?

 

[FunkyMonk4004]

Thank you moresound I skipped over that post. Yes, I did try and tweak those knobs and even when they were almost entirely to the "min", the light would still go off.

And they are XLR cables with a 1/4" adapter.

 

[moresound]

And where is your phantom power supply in this line?

 

[FunkyMonk4004]

Mic -> Phantom -> Recorder

 

[moresound]

Well you know I think your good, your recordings sound good as you say even with the peak lights coming on and I believe you have no worries about hurting your equipment.
Go forth and keep recording but most of all have fun.

 

[FunkyMonk4004]

Moresound, thanks a lot. I appreciate your time helping me. And you don't have to worry about the having fun part!

 

[moresound]

Cool ....I'll be watching for your future post about your recording journeys.