M
muser
New member
I just bought a Millennia STT-1 Origin channel strip. It's a "twin-topology" design meaning you can choose between using the Solide state (SS) or Vacuum Tube (VT) preamp, and switch between VT or SS paths for the EQ and Comp, as well as choose to use it with or without the transformer. The VT pre is listed as +40db gain, the SS as +50db gain. The unit's max output level is +10db. Here's my problem:
When I connect my Shure SM81 small condenser to the unit with both EQ and compressor disengaged, using balanced line outputs into my VS1680 digital recorder, I cannot get a reasonable output using either preamp section. With both input gain and output fully clockwise, I can barely get a -12db register on the SS pre, and only -20 or so on the VT when placing the mic about 12 inches from the 12th fret of my Martin D-18 guitar. I called Millennia, and they seem perplexed and told me 40db of gain should be plenty unless I'm running very low output mics like ribbons.
When I use my AT4050, with both gain & output nearly pegged, I get enough gain, but if I use the compressor and need 6db of makeup gain, I'm on the edge. But should it be operating this way? There's no margin here.
If I then connect the same SM81 mic/cables/recorder into my ART Prochannel, I have gobs of output. The input gain on that unit is listed at 46 db gain, plus 10db preamp out. Am I comparing apples to apples? I've done a lot of recording over the years with many preamps and have never had this problem.
Does it sound like this unit is malfunctioning, or am I just an idiot for not understanding what I was buying?
When I connect my Shure SM81 small condenser to the unit with both EQ and compressor disengaged, using balanced line outputs into my VS1680 digital recorder, I cannot get a reasonable output using either preamp section. With both input gain and output fully clockwise, I can barely get a -12db register on the SS pre, and only -20 or so on the VT when placing the mic about 12 inches from the 12th fret of my Martin D-18 guitar. I called Millennia, and they seem perplexed and told me 40db of gain should be plenty unless I'm running very low output mics like ribbons.
When I use my AT4050, with both gain & output nearly pegged, I get enough gain, but if I use the compressor and need 6db of makeup gain, I'm on the edge. But should it be operating this way? There's no margin here.
If I then connect the same SM81 mic/cables/recorder into my ART Prochannel, I have gobs of output. The input gain on that unit is listed at 46 db gain, plus 10db preamp out. Am I comparing apples to apples? I've done a lot of recording over the years with many preamps and have never had this problem.
Does it sound like this unit is malfunctioning, or am I just an idiot for not understanding what I was buying?
