Topic: AT4071A -> SD Mix Pre -> Korg MR-1000

[animuselanvital]

Ok, here is the problem. . . When running any of my mics (most especially the AT4071A) from my SD Mixpre to my korg MR 1000 I have to set the gain levels on the SD Mixpre extreeeeeeemly low else I get distortion.  When I run my mics directly into the Korg I don't have the same problems.  I am using the tone on the Mixpre to set the Korg to the appropriate standard level.  However, I can't even set the mixpre gain anywhere close to a quarter of the way (works ok on just less than one mark/tick) without getting static.  I am just speaking into the mic.  Should I use an attenuator between the mic and the mixpre?  Or does this sound like some other problem?  What can I do to fix this issue?  Thanks.

[landshark]

Hey Ani -

I have the same rig, Mixpre > MR1000, and have the exact same issues.  The signal coming out of the MiPre is very hot, and it seems just breathing on the dials puts the output too hot for the Korg.  The Korg's preamps can't handle a lot of juice, so clipping them is very easy (I have the same issue with my Senn 8040s).  The specs for the MR1000 say TRS balanced tops out at +4dBu, unbalanced at -6dBv.

I've tried two solutions:

1) put -10db barrel attenuators between the MixPre and the MR100.  This has worked reasonably well for me

2) use the tape return - there is an output from the MixPre that takes a stereo 3.5mm male.  Get a connector that goes 1x stereo 3.5 mm male to 2x mono 1/4" mm male, plug the stereo into the MixPre and the 2x monos into the Korg.  I also do that with my Korg MR1.  The sound comes across pretty good.

Good luck!

Mike

[fmaderjr]

I think landshark means to use the tape out rather than the tape return. The tape out has 10 dB less minimum gain than the line outs. I have not had an overload problem using AT853's > MixPre (tape out) > MR-1 (and other recorders).

The tape return may work as well, but it is really designed for monitoring, so I've never tried it.

[deadheaded]

are you going xlr or 1/4" in on the korg?

[fmaderjr]

I have an MR-1, not MR-1000. Since the MR-1 only has dual mono 1/8 inputs, I'm going MixPre tape out (1/8) > stereo 1/8 to dual mono 1/8 adapter > Korg. I was really commenting on the use of the MixPre, not the MR-1000.

[deadheaded]

are you going xlr or 1/4" in on the korg?

that question was for the original poster.  if you are going in on the xlr's then you have a double preamp situation. if you go 1/4" in that is line in. you should be able to run your mix pre at a normal gain level with line in.  going in on the xlr's, the deck's preamps amplify the signals from the mix pre possibly causing distortion.

[deadheaded]

Hey Ani -

I have the same rig, Mixpre > MR1000, and have the exact same issues.  The signal coming out of the MiPre is very hot, and it seems just breathing on the dials puts the output too hot for the Korg.  The Korg's preamps can't handle a lot of juice, so clipping them is very easy (I have the same issue with my Senn 8040s).  The specs for the MR1000 say TRS balanced tops out at +4dBu, unbalanced at -6dBv.

i think you want to go line in. you already have a preamp, you don't want to go through a second set of inferior preamps on the korg