Topic: Advice on using CA-9100 preamp for first time

[bugg100]

For example if the 9100 all the way open is too much gain would putting the Iriver's gain into the negatives be a bad thing?

Yes.  Some folks think the iRiver sounds ok down to -3dB or so but I'd keep to 0dB or above to be safe, it may just be they don't mind the sound of mild clipping.

I think *maybe* the bass tones sound better with the iRiver around -3, very unscientific on my part.... I need to set test sometime...

[HarpDoc]

I tried it set at about 80%, per Chris' instructions, with the Iriver at 10. Safety (AGC) bumped the Iriver down to 8 and I got a good clear recording. I'll try again at a Jazz show tonight. I'll probably be able to run the 9100 wide open, since it'll be lower volume. Thanks for the help!

[su6oxone]

Thanks for the replies +T.   Just trying to undertstand this fully.  Even at a loud show, do i want some gain from my Iriver as opposed to all gain from my pre?  I thought the whole idea was to circumvent the pre in my recorder?  when does the signal become to hot that it may overload my Iriver?  and for my curiosity what's it sound like?  Do I clip, get too hot on the pre, @ +20, when my iriver is @ zero? 

I'd like to know as well...

[huskerdu]

I'm using my CA-9100 for the first time this weekend. Unfortunately, all I have are the MicroTracks (both I & II). I hear terms like "unity gain", but I'm not sure what that would be on the MT. As far as the CA-9100, what is the reference point for the 11:00 setting? Is the OFF position at 7:00, or am I looking at it the wrong way?

I'm obviously new to all this!

[bugg100]

Far right = 20dB
11:00. =  0db (just a battery box there)
Below that "quiets" (attenuates) the signal.

off 7:00
unity 11:00
max (20 dB) 5:00

[huskerdu]

Far right = 20dB
11:00. =  0db (just a battery box there)
Below that "quiets" (attenuates) the signal.

off 7:00
unity 11:00
max (20 dB) 5:00

Thanks!