Topic: Where should recording levels be set? (UA5 > M1)

[jonreckers]

So I made the upgrade from SBD > MD recording to Mics > Preamp > DAT this month, and have been having some problems with my recordings.  So, I am a newbie here, but have tried to do my research before posting...

I have taped two shows with a new UA5 > M1 setup and have been getting significant hiss on my recordings.  I am not exactly sure of the cause, but am thinking I might be able to correct it with better level setting…  The question I have is about how to best set levels, as I am hoping this might help.  I seem to have three places that I can adjust. 

- Input on the preamp
- Output on the preamp
- Input on the DAT

I have read different recommendations on how to set levels, and some seem to be conflicting…  Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Chanher]

the first place you want to concentrate on is mic input levels on the ua-5. you have to set these levels at the show when the music starts.

how are you connecting the ua-5 to your m1?

[Brian Skalinder]

If you're feeding the DAT a digital signal from the UA5, then you can't adjust the incoming levels on the DAT.  (And if you're running analog into the DAT, you should be running digital into the DAT.)

Not sure how you can adjust the output levels on the UA5. 

You want to adjust the levels with the UA5 gain knobs and your peak levels should hit between -3dB and 0dB.  Use your DAT meters as a reference.

[jonreckers]

Ok, well I guess my first problem is that I have been using an RCA connection. 

When I tried the optical cable, I couldn't see any levels picking up on the M1.

What I think I am hearing is that if I go digital, the only place I will be able to change levels are on the right and left inputs to the preamp...

Thanks for the quick replies...

[dnsacks]

unless your ua5 has been modified, you can't run its digital out into the m1 (unless it's also connected to a computer)

a search for "digimod" on this forum should show you how this mod is performed (it looks pretty easy if you're electronically inclined/experienced) and/or a few folks who could perform it for you.

Bottom line, the UA5 should be feeding your m1 a digital (coax or optical) signal for best results.

[Scooter]

You need to go digital into the M1.  To do that you gotta have the special Sony 7-pin cable to do this.  Look in the "Yard Sale" section and you'll see a few if you don't have one already.  I'd go the RCA coax digital route reather than the optical.  When you go this route, all you need to worry about is setting levels with the UA-5 mic pre's.

[jonreckers]

I have a digimod and a 7-pin, I thought it was for conversion...
Needless to say, I am a bit behind my gear in "how to use it".
I just needed some people to tell me what I am doing wrong.  Hopefully this has helped alot, but I anticipate a few more in the future.

Thanks.

[Scooter]

Well then you're set!  Just run digital coax out on the UA-5 to the coax in on the M1, problem solved.