New 122 - think I need preamp?

  • Thread starter Thread starter LAXPatrick
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LAXPatrick

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Ok, I'm way new to this. Just picked up a US-122. Using an Audix i-5 mic for vocals/acoustic and also going from my pod to the guitar inputs.

Seems like the 122's preamps aren't cutting it - I have to crank the input levels all the way up to get a decent recording level. At first I thought it was the mic (i-5 isn't a phantom power mic), then I tried the pod, same basic thing.

Thanks,

Patrick
 
You shouldn't need another preamp. What are you trying to record? Is it a very quiet source?

The mic should plug into the XLR connector on the front, and the switch for that channel should be on mic/line. When you record the Pod, plug into the 1/4 input for that channel, and leave it on mic/line.

Are you using Cubase?
 
Recording with the mic directly in front of my Taylor. Or voice directly into the mic. Got the plugs right and they're on mic/line.

Tried Cubase and Audacity thus far.

Thanks!
 
LAXPatrick said:
Recording with the mic directly in front of my Taylor. Or voice directly into the mic. Got the plugs right and they're on mic/line.

Tried Cubase and Audacity thus far.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

You should be able to get the OL light to come on while speaking into the mic with the INPUT knob turned all the way up. In Cubase, is it seeing the US122? Is US122 the listed input? Also, you need to select the correct input, L or R in Cubase.
 
LAXPatrick said:
Ok, I'm way new to this. Just picked up a US-122. Using an Audix i-5 mic for vocals/acoustic and also going from my pod to the guitar inputs.

Seems like the 122's preamps aren't cutting it - I have to crank the input levels all the way up to get a decent recording level. At first I thought it was the mic (i-5 isn't a phantom power mic), then I tried the pod, same basic thing.

Thanks,

Patrick
Click to expand...

Dynamic mics generally require more gain than condensers. Still, you should be able to get a decent level when close miking an acoustic. What are the peak levels when tracking with that mic? They should be between -12 and -6dB. Also, you should use the XLR jack (an XLR to XLR cable) for all microphones -- the XLR input has significantly more gain than the 1/4" line input.

As far as your POD goes, you should be able to adjust its ouput gain and ideally, wouldn't need to add gain at the US-122, anyway. Check whether the pod is outputting at -10 or +4.

If you think the unit is truly defective, send it back for a replacement. If not, look into getting a condenser mic and building up a decent mic collection before spending a lot on preamps.
 
I have a 122 also but I also just went out and brought a Presonus pre amp and a presonus compressor but i need help on mixing :(
 
I use presonus tube pre into us-122 with kick ass results. Especially when using pod.
 
im having a similar problem with my 122. just not a high enough recording level.

^how do you connect your preamp to the 122?
 
Just plug it straight through. Use a the tube pre
 
I've been reading specs on USB and Firewire interfaces for three weeks now. The US122 does not have mic pre-amps. None of the data sheets, spec listings, or feature descriptions, say anything about preamps. So, a separate pre is a must-have when using the US122. Not a bad thing. You can get a pre to your liking. You don't have to settle for what comes in the interface. The Presonus pre has a good rep. The dbx pre has a good rep. M-Audio has a good rep. But none of the interfaces has a nice warm tube pre in it.
 
Nick98338 said:
The US122 does not have mic pre-amps.
Click to expand...
It does, the XLR inputs are mic level. I have done voiceovers with a cheap SM58 clone and live classical recording with a pair of AKG 414's; the 414's obviously have a higher level but even with the cheap'n'nasty "Jansen JM1000" dynamic I could peak the 122 at about 3-4 o'clock.

(all into Audition 1.5 on my HP nc8230 laptop)
 
Nick98338 said:
The US122 does not have mic pre-amps....
Click to expand...

Mine does, phantom powered, and good enough that Bill Park over at ProRec says that the ones on his don't make him puke. He's very picky.
 
122

I have the same problem with my 122 - my gain has to be cranked to get enough juice...

So what is the definitive answer - do we need pre's or not?
 
casemanspaceman said:
I have the same problem with my 122 - my gain has to be cranked to get enough juice...

So what is the definitive answer - do we need pre's or not?
Click to expand...

Mine doesn't, so I don't. I don't understand why yours would.
 
Using a tube pre will fatten and warm your signal tremendously for the small fee of under $100. It isn't required, but I get a more homogenous warm more professional sounding final product when using the tube pre. Another way to describe it is without the track sounds thin and dry. With it sounds thick, moist, live, fatter, and more punchy even.
 
A tube pre isn't always the answer...it's not necessarily "a must". Gotta consider the source (voice, guitar, whatever), the mic(s), etc. A solid state pre can provide for a nice, present signal. And in the low budget price range, we're talking "toob" pre, not real tube sound with proper voltages. I'd opt for the DMP3, VTB-1 over the Presonus toob stuff. No gear snob talk here - I use a VTB-1 for various applications, but I rarely find myself using the tube blend on it. I'm also use a Tampa which when experimenting, can provide for a warm, present signal.

Also, you'll need to be cautious in using a toob pre for everything you might track. Once the tracks start building up, I'm pretty confident things will start getting "muddy" for a one word description.

2 cents now spent. Good luck! :)
 
VesuviusJay said:
..fatten ..warm ...homogenous ...warm ...more professional ...thick ...moist ...live ...fatter ...more punchy...
Click to expand...

Yes, but it is creamy? ;)
 
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