Topic: Perfect levels Sound Devices mix pre > Microtracker

[BLOODYJACK]

I found that a pro balanced line is to hot for the micro tracker so here is the best way to interface a Pro line XLR output (+4) to the micro tracker. You need to make a cable that has a mono ¼” jack plug on one end and on the other end connect the tip to pin 2 of the XLR and the shield to pin 1 leave pin 3 empty. Basically what this does is send an unbalanced signal in to the micro tracker unbalanced Pro line feeding a balanced line input will be down 6 dB and the mono jack grounds the ring to shield and this is the perfect match. Now when the meters on the SD mix-pre go in the red you are clipping. I use mine for film work so I set the limiters to come on when the red leds light and now I can not overload and all my wav files are as loud as they can be.

[udovdh]

The grounding of the unused pin is required when using a balanced input in an unbalanced mode?

[BLOODYJACK]

You are wrong
On the input end yes thats why I used a mono 1/4" jack making the microtracker balanced input into an unbalanced input.
On the XLR output side pin 3 is not connected to ground. The mix-pre uses a output driver with an active-balanced topology and pin 3 must not be connected to ground when driving unbalanced inputs. Refer to the sound devices tech support if you dont belive me.

[udovdh]

You are wrong
On the input end yes thats why I used a mono 1/4" jack making the microtracker balanced input into an unbalanced input.
On the XLR output side pin 3 is not connected to ground. The mix-pre uses a output driver with an active-balanced topology and pin 3 must not be connected to ground when driving unbalanced inputs. Refer to the sound devices tech support if you dont belive me.

Thanks, I was just asking about the MT inputs.
Things are clearer now.

[rdvdijk]

On the input end yes thats why I used a mono 1/4" jack making the microtracker balanced input into an unbalanced input.
On the XLR output side pin 3 is not connected to ground. The mix-pre uses a output driver with an active-balanced topology and pin 3 must not be connected to ground when driving unbalanced inputs. Refer to the sound devices tech support if you dont belive me.

I would like to learn but about this stuff, is there any place on the internet where I can learn about these basic things? I don't have a clue what I would have to solder to what if the need ever arises. I would at least like to understand the basics..

Any help is welcome, thanks.

Roel

[Jon Oskar]

If im running the sound through a mixer and set the levels so that they are right, what should the MT's levels be set at for best results?  Should i record in 24/96?

[bagtagsell]

I would do 24/48 for now.  Seems a little unreliable at /96

[Jon Oskar]

made that cable, thanx BLOODYJACK.

[Zaphod]

I found that a pro balanced line is to hot for the micro tracker so here is the best way to interface a Pro line XLR output (+4) to the micro tracker. You need to make a cable that has a mono ¼” jack plug on one end and on the other end connect the tip to pin 2 of the XLR and the shield to pin 1 leave pin 3 empty. Basically what this does is send an unbalanced signal in to the micro tracker unbalanced Pro line feeding a balanced line input will be down 6 dB and the mono jack grounds the ring to shield and this is the perfect match. Now when the meters on the SD mix-pre go in the red you are clipping. I use mine for film work so I set the limiters to come on when the red leds light and now I can not overload and all my wav files are as loud as they can be.

So how would this work coming out of the tape out on an MP2?

Would it be basically the same schematic but instead of XLR use 1/8" 

Any advice is appreciated.

[BLOODYJACK]

grab from Radio shack a 1/8" to RCA cable (you can get them everywere because they are used to put your I-pod into a line in. Also get 2 RCA to 1/4" mono jackplug connectors and there you go. With this configaration you will need to crank the MT volume nearly all the way up.

[Zaphod]

With this configaration you will need to crank the MT volume nearly all the way up.

Will you expand upon this more? Is this because the tape out on the MP2/Mixpre considerably less hot than the XLR out? Thanks and +T.

[aberg]

I'm going to be running MP-2 > R1 and I'm sorta wondering the same thing...

[oleg]

With this configaration you will need to crank the MT volume nearly all the way up.

Will you expand upon this more? Is this because the tape out on the MP2/Mixpre considerably less hot than the XLR out? Thanks and +T.

About 14 db less

[Zaphod]

With this configaration you will need to crank the MT volume nearly all the way up.

Will you expand upon this more? Is this because the tape out on the MP2/Mixpre considerably less hot than the XLR out? Thanks and +T.

About 14 db less

Thanks what I figured.

I have yet to get my MP2 in the mail, and will be using an MT in the near future and want to make sure I don't screw up the recording! +T Oleg.

[oleg]

I'm going to be running MP-2 > R1 and I'm sorta wondering the same thing...

you will be ok with tape out