Topic: V2 Question/Problem

[pyiteac]

I just got back from using my V2 for the first time.  I was running my CMC6's in to it.  I had to set the gain at 10 and trim back -4 in order to not overload my MR-1.  When I was running a V3 I would run in-between 25 and 35 depending on venue.  I was in a theater and it wasn't very loud.  Why on earth would the gain be set so low?  Are there any jumpers in it that are set for dynamic mics?  Any input would be appreciated.

[eric.B]

the v2 only has internal jumpers that control the output for a) m/s and stereo mode and b) high pass filter selection so I doubt that is your problem..   

there is a difference between the two outputs on the unit however, whereas....

MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL
Balanced +27dB    < xlr out
Unbalanced +21dBu   < rca out

which outputs were you using?   Im guessing the xlr as you said you've used a v3 before and that only has xlr analog out...

hmm..  but that still doesnt account for the difference in gain settings when using the same mics..   you mention "dynamic" mics?   your sig line says schoeps cmc6, and they are condensers....

[JasonSobel]

the V3 has internal jumpers to set a -20dB attenuation.
Perhaps those jumpers were on the whole time you were running the V3, so you needed an extra 20dB from the pre-amp to make up for the input attenuation.  Now that you are running the V2 without the -20dB input attenuation, the gain needed is 20dB less.

and, as eric.B says, the output levels are slightly different.
From the V3, the balanced XLR outputs max out at +25dBu.

but that's only a couple of dB different from the V2 outputs (assuming what eric.B posted is correct - I didn't double-check what he posted), so that wouldn't account for the large difference in gain needed.

While my first thought is just a guess, and I don't think there's any way you can verify it (unless you still have the V3), I think its the most reasonable explanantion.

[eric.B]

the V3 has internal jumpers to set a -20dB attenuation.
Perhaps those jumpers were on the whole time you were running the V3, so you needed an extra 20dB from the pre-amp to make up for the input attenuation.  Now that you are running the V2 without the -20dB input attenuation, the gain needed is 20dB less.

and, as eric.B says, the output levels are slightly different.
From the V3, the balanced XLR outputs max out at +25dBu.

but that's only a couple of dB different from the V2 outputs (assuming what eric.B posted is correct - I didn't double-check what he posted), so that wouldn't account for the large difference in gain needed.

While my first thought is just a guess, and I don't think there's any way you can verify it (unless you still have the V3), I think its the most reasonable explanantion.

jason is prolly right
I'd venture to say the jumpers in the v3 are the source of your discrepancy btween the grace units...   
and...
those output levels are straight from the v2 manual...

www.gracedesign.com/support/v2_manual_a.pdf

[nedstruzz]

Just my 2 cents here.  I run CMC6's >V3 and always have the gain set at 15.  Going to 20 on the V3 would definately result in an overload. 

[pyiteac]

A little more Info. on the matter.  I was running RCA out to the MR-1.  I had to drop the level on the MR-1 to -15db as well.  I ran the exact same MR-1 mini out of a PSP-2 at -10.5db with plenty of headroom, running the PSP-2 on a Low Gain Setting.  I ran CMC6xt's on that occasion. 

Edit:  and when I had the V3 the -20 jumpers were not engaged.

[H₂O]

You pay for em and I'll build you some attenuator cables   With the right resistors this tiume   

V2 = Hot (Hotter than PSP-2 - from what Sean Weber-Small told me Mike designed his pre's this way to drive decks like the SV-255 which like hot signals); MR-1 doesn't like hot signals - you have to turn it way down

[pyiteac]

I tried to call you this morning and suggest this.  Can you make them with @ 20db of attenuation?

[H₂O]

Should be able to get the approx range - I am going to need to order a bunch more 1% resistors any ways so I will let you know.

Additionally I will need to order the following:
2 Female XLR3 connectors, 2 1.8" connectors - Do you want any to be Right Angle?

[pyiteac]

Hell yeah!  That would be awesome!

[H₂O]

Do you want both to be RA?

I may need to use some of the Schoeps 4 conductor cable I have for these  (i.e. the R/A 1/8" Neutriks have a small diameter to work with for the cable)

[pyiteac]

Are yours?

Edit:  I found one of my problems.  I had the MR-1 set on Mic in instead of line in.

[jerryfreak]

ive always found that im generally between 30 and 40 dB on a cmc6+V3 with attenuation jumpers set to zero inside. it would have to be really really loud for a cmc6 to only need 10 dB of gain.

Just my 2 cents here.  I run CMC6's >V3 and always have the gain set at 15.  Going to 20 on the V3 would definately result in an overload. 

[DSatz]

?? Are we talking about a Grace Lunatec V2? If I remember correctly, that preamp can easily handle the full output of any Schoeps microphone (max. ca. 850 mV) without clipping. There should be no need for an attenuator cable with those microphones and that preamp.

[datbrad]

?? Are we talking about a Grace Lunatec V2? If I remember correctly, that preamp can easily handle the full output of any Schoeps microphone (max. ca. 850 mV) without clipping. There should be no need for an attenuator cable with those microphones and that preamp.

The OP was having the output from the V2 clipping the line in on his Korg MR-1, I believe. Common problem with these new recorders that have active electronics on their line inputs. They just can't take a hot line in.