Topic: Running the MT24/96 analog line in

[Zaphod]

I am just looking to get a definitive answer on this. In browsing the various MT threads it seems that the MT cannot handle a line level signal?

i.e. running SBD>line in it clips, or pre>line in

Does the MT add gain at the line in setting? Or is it just that people have their settings wrong and don't know it and are blaming the MT?

Thanks.

[Nick Graham]

I've been running it line in the whole time, with the gain set on the Sonosax the same as always, and no problems to report at all.

[Simp-Dawg]

i ran it out of the v3 line out and it clipped like a motherfucker, just with the default settings for the MT line in

[Chris K]

Lunatec V2 rca out > MT 1/4" in working well for me!

[neutrino]

Does the MT add gain at the line in setting? Or is it just that people have their settings wrong and don't know it and are blaming the MT?
Thanks.

Yes, even in line-in mode through the 1/4" inputs the MT adds gain. So if your input signal is hot you will distort, or if you wanted to fade out your levels at end of a show, you will not be able to fade out completely.
dB-

[Brian Skalinder]

i ran it out of the v3 line out and it clipped like a motherfucker, just with the default settings for the MT line in

I believe "line level" = +4 dBu.  The V3's analog output is +4 dBu when it reaches -21 dBFS.  At 0 dBFS, the V3 analog outputs churn out +25 dBu.  So not surprising you overloaded that sucker like a  mofo!

On a related note, has anyone actually measured a +4 dBu signal and output it to the MT to confirm whether or not the MT will take it without overloading?  Or are the claims that it can't handle a line level signal simply based on people running "line out" of whatever device they happen to have?  As one may see, "line out" of the V3 as one might typically run it isn't even close to +4 dBu.

[oleg]

I am just looking to get a definitive answer on this. In browsing the various MT threads it seems that the MT cannot handle a line level signal?

i.e. running SBD>line in it clips, or pre>line in

Does the MT add gain at the line in setting? Or is it just that people have their settings wrong and don't know it and are blaming the MT?

Thanks.

use 20 db pads if you run to balance out to balance in

[Zaphod]

Does the MT add gain at the line in setting? Or is it just that people have their settings wrong and don't know it and are blaming the MT?
Thanks.

Yes, even in line-in mode through the 1/4" inputs the MT adds gain. So if your input signal is hot you will distort, or if you wanted to fade out your levels at end of a show, you will not be able to fade out completely.
dB-

Given this, does anyone know if running line-in bypasses the pre-amp, or does it go through it?

[oleg]

as I see it ,you by pass the preamp  fixed  gain stage , but you have additional gain before a to d

[udovdh]

as I see it ,you by pass the preamp  fixed  gain stage , but you have additional gain before a to d

The additional gain is fixed and is not bypassed as matters are at the moment?

[udovdh]

BTW: I just found that running line in with the levels all down (needed for my caps at concert levels) gives only very little room from clipping! 
Nice if the ever present 14 dB of gain goes away..

[oleg]

what preamp do you use?

[udovdh]

what preamp do you use?

None. Just bare Sennheiser caps with a battery box built to specs they give. (have a link somewhere)
Using different resistor values I had the FET on the capsule giving even more signal!
Maybe I need to build a resistor in my MT cable?
If I knew the impedance I could give it a 6 dB drop using a same resistor?
Does anybody know the line in impedance?

[oleg]

so you go in mike level , not lne?

[udovdh]

so you go in mike level , not lne?

Line.
If I move the LMH switch to M or H it clips.

[oleg]

so i really dont get what problem you have , not enouth level in recording or what?
if so , use pads on the box and go to the h or m position

[udovdh]

so i really dont get what problem you have , not enouth level in recording or what?

I have too much level (close to clipping).
Or too little 'headroom' left thanks to the 14 dB of gain from the Microtrack... 

[Ed.]

you should be able to get attenuator cables for a decent price that would solve the problem.

[udovdh]

you should be able to get attenuator cables for a decent price that would solve the problem.

Thanks.
Attenuating the signal that was amplified first?
First I will try to lower the gain in the FET on the capsule. (by fiddling with the battery box)
If that fails I can build a resistor in my cable.

Does anybody know the impedance of Line In on the Microtrack? (handy to calculate exact attenuations)

[Ed.]

well normally attenuator cables drop a hot incoming signal so it doesn't overload the recording/recorder.  However, I'd imagine since the battery box is boosting the signal and the MT is boosting the signal as well, dropping it down before it gets to the MT will allow you to use the preamp in the MT more efficiently.  That will allow you to set your levels better on the MT so you don't clip, or have the fear of clipping.

I'd imagine if you lower the game on the FET, that'd pretty much have the same effect.  Since theres no way to lower the MT, I think the only option is to lower it before it gets to the MT.  You could always try running mics > mt and see if that helps it out at all.

[souper]

not that every one does not know this, but typically the oade has only 20db of gain