preamp question

[downflow]

I have a stand-alone DAW. I have no way of bypassing the built-in preamp, so if I buy a vtb-1 or an RNP (or both), won't the signal still get noisy and colored by the preamp in my DAW? Or will turning the gain all the way down fix this?

 

[realdynamix]

Hey Downflow! Which one are you using? I'll check the specs and see if there is a way in, uneffected by a pre.

--Rick

 

[downflow]

Thanks for the quick response Rick. I am using the Fostex vf-160. Just curious, where will you check, and how? Will an insert work here?

 

[realdynamix]

Hey Downflow! Nice unit! I have the Yamaha AW-4416. Here is your spec link.

http://www.fostex.com/index2.asp?file=products/digital/vf160

Your inputs are mic/line variable, you can use any of the inputs, though the gain is available for -50db levels, either a switch or the pot itself may not provide the secondary of the pre at certain settings.

You have 2 inserts, if you want to be be absolute you can use a return on them with a pre. But, I think you can use any of the inputs, and get the results you are looking for.

I would use the line inputs, the 48V phantom is not there, so you won't have to worry about juicing a line out from a pre, your choice then, line or insert return.

Hope this helps,
--Rick

 

[downflow]

Yeah, the vf-160's not a bad unit. It's not exactly what I had in mind when it comes to editing,but the recordings I've done on it so far are pretty good. I bought a vtb-1 on e-bay a few minutes ago. I didn't spring for the RNP yet because I need some monitors, I think I'm going to go with the msp5's. So, anyway, let me get this straight, I can plug the vtb-1 in the any channel, including the two XLR, turn the gain pot all the way down (to the "line" side), and I will effectively bypass the built-in pre?

 

[realdynamix]

Originally posted by downflow:
So, anyway, let me get this straight, I can plug the vtb-1 in the any channel, including the two XLR, turn the gain pot all the way down (to the "line" side), and I will effectively bypass the built-in pre?

You can use the return on the insert to be be absolute, you have 2 of them. All your line ins have -50 gain capability.

The input control in the line level settings should not provide very much secondary gain at all, unless you want it. Set at +4db unity, I think you would have a hard time detecting the difference between the line level input adjustments and the more direct insert return. The gain and sound of the external pre-amp is what you are after.

Let me know how you like the vtb1 pre!

--Rick

 

[downflow]

Well I'm not an engineer by any means, but I noticed a quite a difference between running the bass guitar through the vtb-1 instead of the crate bass amp I used before. Everything was much clearer. Individual notes could be picked out. I even could dial between a good clean or more of a funky slap bass sound by turning the tube blend knob from around 10 o'clock to around 1 or 2 o'clock. I got it for $110 on an internet auction, it's used but I can't tell it. Having never heard any other dedicated mic preamp before I can only imagine what the $1500 dollar and up pre's sound like. But I am very impressed with what $110 got for me! I will write more when I use it for vocals.