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Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: gratefulphish on May 09, 2012, 05:52:42 PM

Title: One channel disappeared, but not completely.
Post by: gratefulphish on May 09, 2012, 05:52:42 PM
I was not sure where to put this post, since it did not fit neatly into any of the other categories.  I was recording some local music last night, and because of how generally fucked up the PA in the club is, I was running one channel from the board, and one mic in the room, both going through my V-3 into my 722.  So, today, I move the show over to my computer, and in the last two songs, it appeared that the board channel got cut.  I initially assumed that my cable had somehow got yanked out of the board, which was behind the band, but I did not see it happen during the show, so I did not realize that there might have been an issue until today.

But then I noticed that channels meter flicker just a tiny bit.  So, I added 20dbs of volume, and then another 20 dbs, and lo and behold, there is a feed that went through that channel.  Due to the noise floor also being raised so much, there is a significant buzz that will make it difficult to use.  But, I am more concerned with how a channel that was not disconnected, did not need phantom power, somehow ended up having this super quiet signal.  Has anyone else ever experienced this, and if so, what was the cause of the problem?

Any help would be appreciated.  TIA.
Title: Re: One channel disappeared, but not completely.
Post by: rowjimmytour on May 09, 2012, 06:24:50 PM
Did the FOH have a issue w/ the pa or a band members instrument up on stage. Maybe the FOH had to lower or cut your signal to correct a problem or did it on accident while correcting the sound scape.
Title: Re: One channel disappeared, but not completely.
Post by: Gutbucket on May 09, 2012, 06:25:11 PM
Hard to say.. could have been a bad/loose but not totally open/shorted connection, or more likely the board itself.  Any chance whatever output from the board was used may have had it's level knocked accidentally (send, aux, monitor or some other bus?).  That would be my 1st guess.  Which club?

BTW, good to see you momentarily at FB for BLSH last Friday.  I noticed you slinging cables over the rafters and zipping around with purpose when I grabbed a spot DFC on the raised step with a friend but didn't get to say hey until walking over to help you bolster the super-weak encore encouragement.  Last time they played there the locals cheered them back for a few more at least.  ::)
Title: Re: One channel disappeared, but not completely.
Post by: Teen Age Riot on May 10, 2012, 04:12:17 AM
Hard to say.. could have been a bad/loose but not totally open/shorted connection, or more likely the board itself.  Any chance whatever output from the board was used may have had it's level knocked accidentally (send, aux, monitor or some other bus?).  That would be my 1st guess.  Which club?

Since you used the f-word to describe the club's PA, an issue with the board would be my first guess, too.
I would call them or let them know about it next you're there. If it's indeed an issue with their equipment, it should be in their best interest to fix it or at least be aware of it.
Title: Re: One channel disappeared, but not completely.
Post by: acidjack on May 10, 2012, 11:01:00 AM
Most likely culprit seems to me to be that the engineer accidentally turned down your feed. It's pretty easy to do if they aren't paying attention.
Title: Re: One channel disappeared, but not completely.
Post by: gratefulphish on May 10, 2012, 11:47:17 AM
This was at the Boca Muse.  There is no FOH, the board is just one of the most basic plug-in PA/amp combos.  I had my line running out of the RCA Tape Out, converted to an XLR.   The signal was perfect, until just dropping off a cliff, to this incredibly low volume.  There is a chance that a musician might have accidentally loosened something when they were plugging in and out, as there were a number of band members and guests swapping places during the set.  Live and learn.

Lee, good to see you momentarily as well.
Title: Re: One channel disappeared, but not completely.
Post by: chicofishhead on May 11, 2012, 09:49:35 AM
A place here in town has a similar problem (LaSalles).  If you plug into the board, you'll get a nice signal until the band starts up - then it turns to a buzz.  It's been a problem for years.  The club doesn't care.