Vocal track limiters/distortion problems!

[Subanez]

Mornin' Folks.

So. I love my AT4040 for the clarity and definition during my softer vocal tracks, but anytime I want to add mucho gusto, I'm getting horrible clipping from the AW1600. I've even selected the -10 db setting on the mic, and plugged directly into the AW1600. It doesn't matter on the input setting (ie. LINE to MIC and in between), there is still a clipping/distortion in a big way, even if the signal itself is very quiet. I've tried standing far from the mic, just to see if it would clip, and I get the same results (and of course, the vocals then sound horrible and far away).

I'm not screaming, I'm not doing anything crazy, but even just to release the pipes at a higher register is giving me a real headache trying to capture the sound.

How do you guys get around this problem? I'm aware that mic placement/technique is important, as is the signal chain, but I've tried different mics (even hooked up the Sm57 just for kicks to see if it would distort) and it still does. Is this an AW1600 problem? Or is there something I am not thinking of?

I've done some research, and some people appear to use limiters/compression. I've tried compression, but haven't had too much luck, although its a slight improvement on the distorted/clipping thing.

Do you use limiters?
Do you use compression?
Is there something I'm missing?
Is it an AW-1600 trick?

Any help/insight you can provide would be great. Thanks!

**The normal signal chain is a pop filter, into the AT4040, a DMP-3 pre, Lexicon MX400, then into the yamaha AW-1600.**

 

[Massive Master]

Start by taking everything out of the front end (what's that verb unit doing in there...?) and seeing what's typical for the 1600 on its own.

Mic/Line certainly *should* make a big difference - A HUGE difference... If you're going into the DMP3, it's line-level after it. Bringing the input gain on the 1600 to mic level should kill it (at the 1600).

You shouldn't need any dynamics control on the way in (if you do, you're tracking too hot - turn the DMP3 down). Still, start with the lowest common denominator and go from there.

 

[The Green Hornet]

You might TRY checking the 1600 and see if "something" is turned on and blasting.

At times I've forgot to balance the l/r switch on/in the view programs.

Also, you may have turned up some other program which does not "reset" itself when you turn off the power function.

You may want to turn off one or some of the dynamics channels?

If you forget about any of the TRACK selections and redirect like, track 2, and you don't want it, some more "stuff" can work in the wrong direction.

You might do only two tracks and then overdub other tracks one at a time? I do that most often with the AW1600. So many things to check and it's more than rice or wheat checks.

Merry Christmas

Green Hornet