Topic: Microtrack and S/PDIF... control levels where?

[bconnolly]

When I'm recording using the S/PDIF input on my MT from the UA-5's coax out, can the MT manipulate the signal at all? Do the level controls on the MT do anything if you use the digital input?  The reason I ask is because when I record, I futz with the level controls on both units but I'm not sure if it has any effect if I do anything with the MT's levels.

Just trying to keep all of my wits during a recording session and not mess with things that don't matter... know what I mean?

[udovdh]

You manipulatie SPDIF levels at the source.
I.e.: at your ADC.
Once the audio data enters the digital domain you don't do level changes, etc, until you reach postproduction (where you can do such things under better circumstances).

[bconnolly]

You manipulatie SPDIF levels at the source.
I.e.: at your ADC.
Once the audio data enters the digital domain you don't do level changes, etc, until you reach postproduction (where you can do such things under better circumstances).

Ok just making sure.  So if I mess with the level controls on the MT (whether it's the actual level meters or the L/M/H switch) it will have no effect on the audio level.

This just makes me feel like I need an SVU-1 more and more.  Sigh.

[JasonSobel]

Ok just making sure.  So if I mess with the level controls on the MT (whether it's the actual level meters or the L/M/H switch) it will have no effect on the audio level.

exaclty.  if you run digital into the MicroTrack, the level switches and the L/M/H switch has no effect.

[jdawg]

This just makes me feel like I need an SVU-1 more and more.  Sigh.

get one, you won't regret it. Great combo with the UA-5.

[silentmark]

You manipulatie SPDIF levels at the source.
I.e.: at your ADC.
Once the audio data enters the digital domain you don't do level changes, etc, until you reach postproduction (where you can do such things under better circumstances).

Ok just making sure.  So if I mess with the level controls on the MT (whether it's the actual level meters or the L/M/H switch) it will have no effect on the audio level.

This just makes me feel like I need an SVU-1 more and more.  Sigh.

What is stopping you from using the MT's meters ? They are pretty good now. No need for a SVU imo ...

[bconnolly]

You manipulatie SPDIF levels at the source.
I.e.: at your ADC.
Once the audio data enters the digital domain you don't do level changes, etc, until you reach postproduction (where you can do such things under better circumstances).

Ok just making sure.  So if I mess with the level controls on the MT (whether it's the actual level meters or the L/M/H switch) it will have no effect on the audio level.

This just makes me feel like I need an SVU-1 more and more.  Sigh.

What is stopping you from using the MT's meters ? They are pretty good now. No need for a SVU imo ...

The biggest thing is that I have to actually go over to the MT and activate the backlight to look at the LCD.  With an SVU-1, I could just peer down at the bag and see.

[china_rider]

Yep... Nice thing about the SVUx is that you can just poke the display out of your bag and see the levels from just about anyplace.  When I went from my old DMIC to the UA-5 I really noticed how much I missed visible meters.

[Chris K]

What is stopping you from using the MT's meters ? They are pretty good now. No need for a SVU imo ...

ditto. i have learned the microtrack levels and they arent that bad. there is a small learning cureve, like any new piece of gear. i have been comfortable using the mt levels in the nbox>mt2448 combo and the nbox doesnt add gain so you have to use the mt 2448 levels.

The biggest thing is that I have to actually go over to the MT and activate the backlight to look at the LCD.  With an SVU-1, I could just peer down at the bag and see.

wwhhhaaaaahhhh, i gotta bend over.  

sometimes you dont want the meters to be visable   

[rowjimmy]

wwhhhaaaaahhhh, i gotta bend over.   

Yeah seems like a weak concern but damn did my knees hurt after the last show. space was tight and i simply didn't have everything in the ideal layout for glancing down @ the minime's levels.

Maybe I just need to hit the gym more often. 

[udovdh]

Just get a tiny maglite?
And get to know your gear. You should be able to set levels nicely after a while when you know the venue and the band. If hou have to adjust during a show you're too late anyway?

[svenkid]

I usually adjust my gain on  the v3 after a song or two, if there is no soundcheck.
 

[rowjimmy]

well I was using borrowed gear on a band i'd never seen @ the aforementioned show. So arranging everything exactly perfect and setting the levels straight away was tricky. Especially as the headliner was notably louder than the opener. But you're right, knowing your gear always helps. and a flashlight (which I do have) will help with the no-backlight issue.

[china_rider]

Another bonus of the SVU is that you dont always be right next to your gear to check your levels at a glance.  Quite often at the shows I tape we have several tapers there that know and trust each other to keep an eye on each others gear to make sure it does not get up and walk away.  Often I'll move a bit away from the gear for dancing room, to talk with friends, etc.  The SVUx makes it very easy to watch your levels from a distance.

[ghibliss]

Are the "Line Outs" active while recording uisng the spdif input?  I use a Coaxial spdif input from an external a/d converter and was wondering if the SVU-1 would work if plugged into the Line Out jacks of the Microtrack.  I currently use the CoreSound Mic 2496 a/d converter with excellent results simply monitoring the -12.5 db signal lights and the -1 db "clipping indicator".  These are very accurate and have always provided excellent results. 

DPA 4061
CoreSound Mic 2496
Coaxial spdif
MT 2496
Kingston CF 4 GB Card