RNP users - a query

  • Thread starter Thread starter Fab4ever
  • Start date Start date
Fab4ever

Fab4ever

Getting better
Hello all.

After a layoff from recording, last night I hooked up my RNP-RNC combination. I put the out from the RNP into the line in of my M-Audio Omni Studio contraption and set about to record some vocals with a variety of mics (RE16, Shure 545 and MXL V77).

Each time, I had to REALLY crank the RNP's level to get anything at all into my computer. Several times I overloaded the RNP, and I was barely getting enough signal thru the Omni and into Sonar for it to register. Finally I changed the settings in my M-Audio software to accept low-level signals in the line ins. But even then, I had to crank the RNP to at least 40 db to get a usable signal, even using the V77 (which I had warmed up for more than an hour before using.)

My question is: Am I doing something wrong? Do you RNP users find yourselves dialing in 40-50 db of gain just to get a condenser mic up to usable level? Or am I probably missing something in the software??

I doublechecked my cabling and went thru my M-Audio and Sonar software and couldn't find anything else to change. I tested the preamps in the Omni and they seem much hotter and more robust than the RNP - which I find surprising, to say the least.

Any thoughts?

Fab
 
What was the gain setting on the RNC? Were you attenuating the signal there? Try plugging the RNP in without the RNC attached as an experiment.

-lee-
 
I'd be suspicious of the RNC connection as well.
 
I'd say its almost certain that its your connection with the rnc...bad wiring maybe
 
Excellent thoughts. I did use the "bypass" button on the RNC, but I didn't unplug the lines from it completely. I'll try that tonight and see if that helps.

I do use good (Marketek) short, balanced cables, so I didn't think a bad line was to blame. But I'll check. Thanks.

Fab
 
Check to make sure, if they are TRS, that you have them pushed in all the way. I have been caught by that one before.
 
You guys are brilliant!

Yeah, I must have had my TRS cables not all the way in. After I unhooked the RNC completely, the level went right back up to what it should be. I repatched in the RNC, correctly apparently, and everything works like a charm.

I KNEW the DMP2 pres in the Omni couldn't be so much hotter than the RNP.

Thanks!!

Fab
 
An update: The RNP is fine without the RNC plugged into it. But I am still getting a reduced signal with the RNC in the channel. So I called FMR and after explaining the problem, the receptionist put me on with Mark himself.

After patiently listening to my problem, he suggested I call him back tonight from home and run some tests. Now THAT is customer service. (By the bye, he also talked about increasing production capacity and mentioned he is working on some new products - maybe an EQ, maybe even another compressor!)

I'll keep you guys posted on what transpires.

Fab
 
Im assuming you are feeding the condenser phantom power...
 
Actually the condenser I was using is a tube mic with a dedicated power supply (MXL V77). But I cross referenced it with Shure and Electro-Voice dynamics.

I missed Mark tonight, but I did unplug and replug the RNC - again - and I was back to a hotter level. I don't know what's going on... perhaps I have a short in one of my units.

I'll keep trying....

Fab
 
Definately sounds like its the unit and not you. I know Ive done some pretty braindead things - hence the phantom suggestion. Never hurts to state the obvious in case it was the obvious. Unfortunately it appears more complex.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top