Problems Setting Up Equipment

[samich17]

I should start this problem out by explaining my old set-up..and that I am posting this here, because it seems like the right place.

I plug my instruments and microphones into my Fostex XR-5 4 track.. i go (stereo out) via A/V-1/8" cables into the Soundblaster Live and out of the Soundblaster via A/V cables into my tape deck and listen to everything with my stereo speakers..I use Cool Edit 2000 to record and mix. Everything works fine.

Now I just got and installed my Echo Mia card, keeping the Sounblaster in with it. Everything setup fine. Now I'm not sure how I alter my set-up. I'm bringing this problem here, because you guys are more helpful than the manual.

This is what I've tried so far and still can't get a signal with Cool Edit 2000, though I am getting a weak signal in the Mia console.

I unplugged the cable from the Soundblaster that was coming from the 4 track, put on a 1/4" adapter, and plugged that into one of the inputs on Mia. I also changed the Recording Device in Cool Edit 2000 from Soundblaster to Mia. That's all I've done so far and am not getting a signal.

Please help me fix this.
Also, am I suppose to unplug the cable connecting the tape deck and Soundblaster and connect the tape deck to Mia? The Mia has 2 outputs, though I'm not sure if I have to use these or if I should just keep the Soundblaster plugged into the tape deck. Will the quality of sound differ depending on what card it is coming out of?

I know these questions might sound dumb to some of you, but I'm asking you guys because the manual is confusing. I did check all the passed Mia posts and found nothing to help me with these problems. thanks a lot

 

[pratt]

first of all...you should monitor your mia inputs via the mia outputs - not with your soundblaster - I don't even know if it's possible to monitor with your SB??? maybe if somehow you virtually routed your mia outs to the SB ins?? anyway - that's not the way to do it....take your MIA outs to your tape deck for monitoring - the quality of sound could differ as well dependent on the D/A converters....which I know that MIAs are way better than the SBlaster.

other things that come to mind (some pretty obvious....)
- is the output volume on your 4-track high enough? try adjusting that to see if you can get a better signal
- is the input volume (record levels) for the inputs that you have the 4track plugged into turned up?? (check this with the mia console)
- make sure that the inputs aren't muted

hope this helps...

 

[samich17]

pratt - thanks for responding, it is coming along slowly, Gidge has been a ton of help...i am going to try what he's been suggesting, which is to go out of the 4 track via RCA into the MIA via 2 seperate 1/4" jacks to get a stereo signal...and then go out of the MIA via 2 seperate 1/4" jacks into my tape deck via RCA...does this sound right to you? i'm off to the music store to pick up these cables...i hope it works, if not, you know i'll be right back on here asking more questions...thanks again, take care.

 

[vox]

The Mia should have a +4/-10 switch somewhere, it's probably a software control, make sure it's set to -10 as this is the signal level that consumer/prosumer gear usually runs at (I doubt that your 4 track puts out a pro level +4 signal).

Good Luck.