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hi there!
i'm using Samplitude on a p4-3.06 with 1gb ddr machine with RME hammerfall multiface, an AKG C414-BTL-II microphone, and a custom made mic preamp-amp (i'm not rich, i have funding from a record company :) )

now here's the problem-
when i record stuff that are not very loud- like an acoustic guitar or classical guitar, I get a very low signal with a lot of background hiss. I tried all 4 polarity patterns on the mic. I double checked i'm using +4db balanced cables both on the outputs and the inputs. and still, only on the max +55db on the preamp I get a normal signal from an acoustic guitar.

where might be my problem?
thanks in advance,
yoni.

Comments

realdynamix Thu, 06/19/2003 - 14:50

:) Hi! You should not have that noise. You say you get a normal signal with the pre maxed, what reference are you trying to hit 0dbfs (peak on the digital meter), or an average of around -15 to -5 or so?

(1) Is the input a true balanced input?
(2) Is there 48 volts of phantom power?
(3) Is the output +4db balanced, and is the input to your card set to +4db balanced.

--Rick

realdynamix Thu, 06/19/2003 - 15:36

Originally posted by medusa:
i guess the problem lies with the pre-amp, right?

:) Hi, maybe, is the pad switch on the mic set to zero? Make sure the cables are wired properly, and that all are in good condition.
A broken connection to just one of the pins 2, or 3, will reduce the output by almost 20db. This can happen on the mic side, as well as on the pre out side. If those check out, then I would say the mic, or pre could be bad.

--Rick