Projectmix hardware insert problems

[Brunothemad]

Hi there, I'm using an M-audio Projectmix board with pro tools M-powered, and have just recently set up 2 returns through two outboard compressors (running from the 3/4 outputs back into the 3/4 trs insert points.) However, the volume of the track, when the hardware inserts are applied, seems to lower about 15db, and whenever I increase the gain on the compressor or the input gain on the board, I begin to hear what sounds like lost bits or digital distortion, which increases as I continue to bring the gain up on either side.

Also, latency is an obvious issue, and I still haven't found a viable way to resolve this without recording onto an axillary track and bumping it.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[ridgeback]

Check the send level on the firewire software mixer. Sounds like they're set to low. Latency? Yep, bounce it to a new track and align. No way out of that one really.