Noise in ART Dual Pre usb interface when past 4 o'clock

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deltaslim

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Hi - Got an ART Dual Pre a few weeks ago and so far am very happy with it. It's pretty neat as it can be powered by iPad, even with phantom power on.

However, I noticed that past around 4 o'clock on the gain knob there is a very big jump in gain/volume and noise is clearly introduced in the signal. I can hear it during monitoring (headphones) and in the recording (tho less so).

Is this typical of usb mixer interfaces or should I blame this specific product? If the latter, what would you suggest as alternative usb interface that doesn't have this issue?

Thanks!

EDIT 8/14/13: I did more tests and found that the noise is simply a product of the increase in gain, ie, the Dual Pre is only amplifying the noise that is already present in the environment (room/house) along with the signal. Before the gain jump, I can hear some of that same room noise already.
 
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The less expensive the device, the more noise it produces (as a general rule).
 
The less expensive the device, the more noise it produces (as a general rule).

I'm sure that's true. But was also wondering if the volume/gain jump was normal. The hiss/noise can simply be a result of that very big difference in gain, ie, it's just more sensitive in picking up signal as well as noise. So far I haven't heard of this case before so was wondering...

EDIT 8/14/03: After more tests last night, I found I was right after all: the Dual Pre was simply increasing the noise already present in the room, along with the signal. I guess I'll just have to get used to the jump in gain and also address room noise issues.
 
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The manual says that the gain knob basically pushes the tube. A little goes a long way with the gain knob.
 
A lot of those cheaper pre-amps will have that tricky/annoying gain bump.
 
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