Topic: troubleshoot mics/preamp

[mouthsuit]

Hi all. Excuse my newness to the forums.

For just over a year now I've been using my 1.8ghz P4 Dell Inspiron 8200 to tape shows. I use the Digigram VX440 as input, sometimes using only 2 mics and sometimes using 2 mics and 2 board inputs. The mics are 2 AT4041, using a Presonus Blue Tube pre-amp.

I've noticed recently that no matter what I set the drive/gain to, it seems like the left channel is getting too much signal...I can't really explain too well, but I can send you a sample file to see what I'm saying (if you want). I've alternated which mic I use on the left, cables, everything. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

If you need any more info, lemme know.

Thanks.
jeff

[F.O.Bean]

Hi all. Excuse my newness to the forums.

For just over a year now I've been using my 1.8ghz P4 Dell Inspiron 8200 to tape shows. I use the Digigram VX440 as input, sometimes using only 2 mics and sometimes using 2 mics and 2 board inputs. The mics are 2 AT4041, using a Presonus Blue Tube pre-amp.

I've noticed recently that no matter what I set the drive/gain to, it seems like the left channel is getting too much signal...I can't really explain too well, but I can send you a sample file to see what I'm saying (if you want). I've alternated which mic I use on the left, cables, everything. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

If you need any more info, lemme know.

Thanks.
jeff

soundz like the pre

[Brian Skalinder]

I assume you're using the Digigram VX440 as your ADC?  When you switched L/R mics, cables, preamp inputs, preamp outputs, you switched each individually and independently before testing, right?  I.e. switch mics, test.  Switch cables, test.  Switch preamp inputs, etc.  Instead of Switch mics, cable, and preamp inputs then test.

Sooo...what happened when you switched:

Mics?
Cables?
Preamp inputs?
Preamp outputs?
Digigram inputs?

[mouthsuit]

well, unfortunately last night i couldn't get enough input volume to really tell anything (since i didn't want to wake anyone up), but i'm gonna give it a better test soon. but testing individually is the plan.  i

i'll post a small clip or two later tonight when i get home.

[Brian Skalinder]

Swapping each component independently should nail down the problem device/component.  Let us know how it goes.

[mouthsuit]

thx, i'll let you know what happens and close the topic. here's a sample. i had another one, but this one shows it more clearly. i'm starting to think i'm hearing things in the other sample i had.  i think something's off with it, i just can't place it. or maybe it's just my ears....like i said visibly the levels are ok, and don't even shoot into the red on the computer or the pre.

[mouthsuit]

ok, i think i found my problem...i hope...one of the first cables i connected produced VERY low volume and a LOT of static, and even spikes when it was barely moved or shaken. moving it a little eliminated the static and fixed the volume, so hopefully that was it...time to get a new cable...ha.

thanks.

[Brian Skalinder]

time to get a new cable...ha.

Good news to hear - cables are the least expensive component to replace.  Good luck!