Topic: My new toy: Tim's AD2k+

[Jhurlbs81]

Well guys, I am officially a total slut.  Couldn't pass on the opprotunity to run an ad2k behind my v3.  I debated it for some time though.  At first it didn't seem right to "waste" the AD stage, but then when thinking about what the v3->ad2k combo cost me to get into ($1695 )...i thought otherwise.  Considering either of these units retail right around there.  Honestly, it was BEAN'S "just a V3" comment that made me pull the trigger!!

Man am I setting up my rig backwards.  I've had a pair of MBHOs on loan for the last 2 years.  Still deciding on mics.  I like so many!  I may try something different like the c42's.

Anyway, back to my new toy.  Who can give me the lowdown on running the v3 with it.  Peaks near the first AMBER with analog out on the v3, right?  Any standard setting for the AD2k? Any other thoughts/experience would be MOST appreciated.

Jesse

[balou2]

Peaks near the first AMBER with analog out on the v3, right?  Any standard setting for the AD2k? Any other thoughts/experience would be MOST appreciated.

Jesse

First off, congrats!  the AD2K+ is still a fantastic piece of gear, and you won't be sorry.

Secondly, you're correct.  There is no real "standard" setting for 2K, IMO, but there is a unity setting.  I don't recall exactly where that is, but Tim should remember as he reminded me.

Have fun!!!

[Jhurlbs81]

But it is an input select, no? Shouldn't that be used to pair with your pre-amp's output?  So wouldn't  you just MATCH your pre with the AD using the input select, then use gain on the v3?

Thanks,
Jesse

[Jhurlbs81]

any help on my last question?

Thanks,
Jesse

[marc0789]

But it is an input select, no? Shouldn't that be used to pair with your pre-amp's output?  So wouldn't  you just MATCH your pre with the AD using the input select, then use gain on the v3?

Thanks,
Jesse

that is the only way to do it. the higher the setting on the 2k, the more headroom you leave yourself.

[Kyle]

Peaks near the first AMBER with analog out on the v3, right?  Any standard setting for the AD2k? Any other thoughts/experience would be MOST appreciated.

Jesse

First off, congrats!  the AD2K+ is still a fantastic piece of gear, and you won't be sorry.

Secondly, you're correct.  There is no real "standard" setting for 2K, IMO, but there is a unity setting.  I don't recall exactly where that is, but Tim should remember as he reminded me.

Have fun!!!

anyone know what thae unity setting is?

[Jhurlbs81]

maybe my understanding of unity is wrong, but wouldn't it depend on the output of the pre you're running in front?

Jesse

[marc0789]

maybe my understanding of unity is wrong, but wouldn't it depend on the output of the pre you're running in front?

Jesse

I'm not sure there can be any such thing with the 2k. Gain is completely dependent on the pre you're running in front of it, and absolutely nothing else...someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I ran the thing awhile and think this is correct. Your only worry is making sure that you don't attenuate the gain setting on the 2k to the point that your clipping it with gain from the preamp. I always set the thing at +22 to make absolutely sure I didn't have it set too low to take the preamp gain.

[Brian Skalinder]

maybe my understanding of unity is wrong, but wouldn't it depend on the output of the pre you're running in front?

Unity gain is the setting at which the unit provides no gain and no attenuation to the incoming signal.  I assume Kyle wants to set the AD2K at unity gain and use only the preamp to control the levels.

[marc0789]

maybe my understanding of unity is wrong, but wouldn't it depend on the output of the pre you're running in front?

Unity gain is the setting at which the unit provides no gain and no attenuation to the incoming signal.  I assume Kyle wants to set the AD2K at unity gain and use only the preamp to control the levels.

I know. And the 2k is pre-set to add zero gain in all circumstances, from what I understand.

[scb]

i always thought the setting on the 2k was the input level that would hit 0dbfs. 

like take the mp2 for example.  i think the max output level of the mp2 was +22.  if you set the 2k at +24, you'd NEVER hit zero on the 2k, because the 2k would need a +24 signal to hit zero.  you'd just overload your pre before you ver hit 0 on the 2k. 

a v2 could output a much hotter signal (+27 maybe?) so you could run the 2kat +24 and be ok. 

am i wrong?

[marc0789]

i always thought the setting on the 2k was the input level that would hit 0dbfs. 

like take the mp2 for example.  i think the max output level of the mp2 was +22.  if you set the 2k at +24, you'd NEVER hit zero on the 2k, because the 2k would need a +24 signal to hit zero.  you'd just overload your pre before you ver hit 0 on the 2k. 

a v2 could output a much hotter signal (+27 maybe?) so you could run the 2kat +24 and be ok. 

am i wrong?

Scott, my memory is fuzzy, but I think you are correct. That's why I always set the 2k at +22 rather than +24...it's coming back to me now. what I NEVER did was go below +22...I figured then, I'd have a chance to clip the 2k, even if I looked ok on the pre.

[Jhurlbs81]

Scott's correct.  So when running a V3 in front, set the input select to +22.  That way you'll leave yourself 3db of headroom on the pre.