J-Madd:

Not to be too picky, but the ISA 428 doesn't have sidechains - it has inserts, there is a small difference. However, in either case, you shouldn't wind up with any distortion (at least none that you don't want) by patching a compressor in.

The only think I can think of is the make-up gain. Don't try setting this too high - only make up the gain that you are losing by compressing, otherwise you could be sending way too much voltage into the returns on the 428. That's really the only conclusion that I could think of...

J...

Thanks J,
Maybe that is it. I will try decreasing the makeup gain on the comp.

justin

Another question.
Can anyone see any differences between using the XLR outs to a 1/4" plug from the 428 channel output connecting to the RNC, vs using the side chain method whereby instrument cables are used?
justin

You know what, I just thought of something else thanks to your follow up question. The RNC is unbalanced; the outputs, both 1/4" and XLR on the ISA are balanced - this might be part of the problem too. I would suggest a level converter. However, in response to your second question, there is no difference between an XLR balanced out versus a TRS balanced out. However, the XLR out on the 428 is an actual post gain output, where the insert is a pre-gain insert.

J...

Yeah, the 428 is balanced, the XLR to 1/4 " is balanced, and the RNC is unbalanced. I hope it works when I hook them all up.
justin

Beware of any level differences.
-10dB input fed from a +4dB output could be your source of distortion.

So Kev, are you saying I need to turn the gain down alot on the preamp before it hits the compressor?

That's one way of checking the source of that distortion.

Sometime people mightl use an attenuator to get from the +4dB down to the -10dB required by the next unit.
Then you have the issue of getting from -10 back up to +4dB.

Some units can trim and have enough make up gain to get by and it can also depend on original signal levels.

A pour quality gain make up unit in amongst high quality gear is a bad thing so doing without a dedicated -10dB to +4dB converter could be better. Each situation must be decided on , in context.

hope that makes sense.

The 428 is probably a hot unit and the RNC is not as hot. The RNC can handle livevl that some other -10dB units can not.
I suggest lowering the level into the RNC by lowering the gain at the front.
Then make use of the 428 output to get some level back.

I hope you don't now tell me you want to feed a 2inch with hot tape and need to pin the needles ... :)

Well guys, I found out what I was doing wrong. I was looking at post fader levels on the DAW, which were fine. The pre fader levels were clipping. I got it worked out and the 428 with the RNC is working fine through the inserts. Thanks everyone for helping out. You all rock!
justin

Excellent! Ain't it great when shit comes together?

Justin - how do you like the combo - 428->RNC->428?

J...

It is great when things work out, I was getting kinda nervous that I would end up with songs minus vocals :cry:

I like the combo of the 2 pieces. The RNC doesn't seem to impart much of a sonic signature to vocals, but that is ok because it does its job compressing just fine. So yeah, its cool.

I do rock stuff mainly so the next comp I buy will probably be a little more dirty sounding. But, once again for straight singing its a nice clean sound.

justin

I'm glad to hear you say that. I'm looking at this combo for some upcoming jazz work. (Voice, piano, string bass, and percussion.) Obviously, I wouldn't need much compression, just a hint here and there, so I'm interested in the FMR cuz of the price...

Thanks!

J...

Best of luck.

justin