I did a very stupid thing with my PreSonus FP10. I was getting low recording levels on the drums, so I've changed a mic cable on one of the mic inputs from XLR-1/4 to XLR-XLR to check if the recording levels would improve. Of course I was stupid enough to keep the gain level on this channel almost to the max. After 30 seconds of hitting the snare drum I noticed the red peak light on the channel and a very loud recorded track. Of course the sound was distorted to the max...
Did I do any damage to the mic preamp? After testing it at proper levels, all I can say it's fine (compared to the previous track recorded with XLR-1/4 cable), but nonetheless, is it possible that I did some damage to it in the long run? (what would the signs of damaged preamp be like?) :(
Comments
In most cases it is impossible for you to do any damage to a mic
In most cases it is impossible for you to do any damage to a microphone preamp by overdriving it. If you put the output of your guitar amplifier into it you might do some damage. Rest easy!
Some folks have been known to plug an amplifier output, designed
Some folks have been known to plug an amplifier output, designed to drive a speaker, into a microphone input. DON'T GO THERE. No no.
On old analog recording equipment with mechanical meters, occasionally damage was done after years of bangin'em.
Unfortunately I have an 1176 from the eighties with a dead meter that's seized. Probably from pushing all four buttons all the time? Can't find a proper replacement. Its screwed. The current unit by Universal Audio will sell me one for $140. No returns. I was Told, it won't fit. ??? Modutec gone. But they'll sell me one if I want one... NOT. I'll just have to steal it out of one of my eighties LA-4's. And you're worried about a $3.50 microphone integrated circuit chip and a couple of LEDs?
Bang! I used to be a meter but not anymore.
Ms. Remy Ann David