Topic: SD MixPre levels

[SClassical]

Just started to use my MixPre after purchasing it about a year ago (funny we sometimes buy things we never end up using!)... I connected it with my mics DPA 4052 and placed my mics about 2 feet away from my Steinway grand. I realized that the levels seem to jump very high even though I turned the dial very near to the min. I usually use my V3 with Schoeps for recording and never experience a preamp so sensitive. Can someone tell me if there is a way to reduce the sensitivity of the MixPre or it is factory set?

Another question...when looking at the peak indicators from the front panel what dBu level should I set my max in order to get the best result with this preamp?

Thanks for your help!

[Brian Skalinder]

Can someone tell me if there is a way to reduce the sensitivity of the MixPre or it is factory set?

I don't believe it's configurable. The MixPre provides 0 - 66 dB gain using the line-out (XLRs) and 0 - 52 dB gain using the tape-out (stereo-mini).

Another question...when looking at the peak indicators from the front panel what dBu level should I set my max in order to get the best result with this preamp?

Into what ADC/recorder are you running the MixPre?  I always found I liked the MP-2 sound best with as little gain as possible to still achieve my desired levels.

[SClassical]

Into what ADC/recorder are you running the MixPre?  I always found I liked the MP-2 sound best with as little gain as possible to still achieve my desired levels.

I'll be running it into my R-09. How far up do you set your MixPre meter (max dBu)? Thanks.

[Kyle]

Can someone tell me if there is a way to reduce the sensitivity of the MixPre or it is factory set?

I don't believe it's configurable. The MixPre provides 0 - 66 dB gain using the line-out (XLRs) and 0 - 52 dB gain using the tape-out (stereo-mini).

Another question...when looking at the peak indicators from the front panel what dBu level should I set my max in order to get the best result with this preamp?

Into what ADC/recorder are you running the MixPre? I always found I liked the MP-2 sound best with as little gain as possible to still achieve my desired levels.

always use the least amount of gain as possible and run your adc/deck wide open (or as close as possible) - from my understanding that maximizes your s/n ratio - am I right on this one?

[joekar]

The last time I used my Mixpre (AT 943's) I had the levels set at 3 and my R-09 set at 8......That way all the gain was coming from the Mixpre.........The recording came out nice but I have to boost the levels in post......It was a pretty loud show with some heavy bass and drums....The next time I'm going to turn up the Mixpre to around 4 to 4.5...OR just turn up the R-09 a little....

Peace,
jk

[oleg]

the mix pre scale is ppm one , so  if you  want to match it to dbfs scale
the 0 dbu tone on your mixer = -20 dbfs
adjust the gain that the piks would hit the +12.+14 dbu , place the mixer  limiter on the top ( +18 dbu) to prevent your recording device overload .
THE MIX PRE AUTOMATICALLY attenuate the signal when you use phantom power for 10 db ,if it not enouth put in line pads befor the inputs .

[mcq]

THE MIX PRE AUTOMATICALLY attenuate the signal when you use phantom power for 10 db

It depends on the serial number of the MixPre, as they removed this automatic pad a few months (years?) ago:
http://www.sounddevices.com/tech/mixpre_gain.htm

[digifish_music]

I have an R-09 and am waiting for a MixPre to arrive that I just ordered so am interested in what I am reading here.

As noted the R-09 seems to be at unity gain at a setting of 8. So if you need some attenuation, set it to something less than 8 should fix that?

digifish