Topic: DPA4060/MMA6000 users question

[sunshinedavedream]

I'll be running my new rig this coming weekend and wondered what other's experiences have been using the gain settings on this preamp. Loud (but not earsplitting) rock show and I'm wondering how low i can go on the gain settings (either zero db or perhaps the 2.5db setting)? What have you guys found was a set it and leave it gain setting on the MMA6000? I'd rather be able to adjust the rec levels on the Korg MR2 rather than the MMA6000 due to the "gain steps". Going to be a stealth situation anyways (Death Cab for Cutie)...thanks in advance! Dave

[WiFiJeff]

Can't help with rock concerts specifically, but for the absolute loudest symphony orchestra stuff, from up as close as you can get (and you see the violist 6-8 feet away putting in ear plugs) I set it at 10 dB to go into a Sony D50 set at ~7.25.  I keep the Sony there always, and go up to 22.5 on the MMA6000 for quieter stuff (with 4063s or 4081s I just set the MMA6000 about 10 dB higher). 

Jeff

[dmonkey]

It has been a while since I've run the 4060 rig (actually, sold it to a friend a while ago), but I seem to recall easily running 2-3 clicks up in gain for even somewhat loud shows. I thought I overloaded it once at a really loud show when I was standing up near the subs (sounded like ass), but in hindsight I am unclear if this was amp overload or low batteries (or overload caused by low batts). Whatever. Anyway, I think you'll be safe running 1-2 clicks for most shows.

[Gutbucket]

Depends on what input level your recorder is happy with, and I don't know the MR2 well.  You can run the MMA6000 at unity gain if you need to, I did a few times recording really loud material with 4060s and an R09, though I usually ran it in the gain range Jeff describes.  I only add about 5dB with a different preamp to get to the 'overloud clapping just clips' point with the 4060s into a DR2d.  The M10 accommodates a hotter input.

[sunshinedavedream]

thanks guys. I'm conservative so I'm going to start with "1 click" (2.5 db's of gain) and play with the MR2's line input amp from there.

[aaronji]

The 4060s are pretty sensitive, so you probably won't need much more than that for something like Death Cab.  I've only had to really crank it for an acoustic piano and bass duet.

[SmokinJoe]

No direct experience, but a random thought.  On my MR1, with unbalanced inputs if the incoming signal is so hot you have to turn the gain down below -6db, you will start brickwalling.  it will look OK on the meters, but sound like crap.  With balanced inputs, doesn't hit that point until -12 at least.  Not sure if that applies to MR2 or not. 

On a first outing with new gear, I would set the recorder gain to 0, and maybe even set the preamp to zero if you think it might be that hot.  Watch the meters during the first song,  it's ok if it's low... let's say it's at -20.  At the end  of the first song,  adjust the step gain 7.5 or 10db as required to get you where  you want to me.  Then tweak a dB  or two with the recorder.

I was listening to some DPA/MMA6000 tapes  on the archive recently.  Nice sound.

[Teen Age Riot]

The 4060s are pretty sensitive, so you probably won't need much more than that for something like Death Cab.  I've only had to really crank it for an acoustic piano and bass duet.

+1
When I had 4060's I never felt the need to use a preamp. As I was mostly taping rock shows, their high sensitivity was more of an issue. Especially at festivals or in front of bigger PAs, the low end would often come out distorted.

[sunshinedavedream]

Thanks for all the experiential info. I ended up going real conservative since this was a maiden voyage. Ran the MMA6000 at unity gain (0) and the MR2 at -2 db and had just enough signal for good levels without any (chatty clappy drunk Milwaukee bitches) audience peaking. It was a real dynamic show as Death Cab has the Magik Magik orchestra with them (8 piece strings) this tour. My first time stealthing anything since the early 90s and I got a pretty good recording from the 20th row in front of the right stack. I just wish they made QUALITY equipment this small when I was really into taping back in the 80s! Kids these days have it made:)

[faninor]

The 4060s are pretty sensitive, so you probably won't need much more than that for something like Death Cab.  I've only had to really crank it for an acoustic piano and bass duet.

+1
When I had 4060's I never felt the need to use a preamp. As I was mostly taping rock shows, their high sensitivity was more of an issue. Especially at festivals or in front of bigger PAs, the low end would often come out distorted.

I know I'm too late, but this. I've almost always left my gain on the MMA6000 at either +0 or the 1st notch. A while back I picked up an DPA MPS6010 to use instead of the MMA6000 -- since I never really apply much gain the smaller size plus XLR outputs are worth it... I'd only switch back to the MMA6000 if I know a performance is going to be quiet.

[bluntforcetrauma]

The MMA6000 preamp was the first one i had ever used and still use it today.  IN fact I just used it at Van Halen shows in Tampa, Fl and Jacksonville, Fl, 3rdrow from the stage, along with EV solo acoustic tour last august. Anyway I set the MMA6000 at notch 1 which is the first notch or line after 0 db to the right on each channel dial.
once that is selected I then cover with gaffers tape to ensure that it stays in place. Basically set it and forget it.  I use the edirol r-05 now,but have used
edirol r-01 and edirol r-09 with the MMA6000 DPA 4061 setup. I use the input on the edirol to add gain to the recording, record in 48khz because it allows for some headroom and if your recording comes out a bit low it allows for the addition of gain without making the recording get distorted. The preamp even though set low still gives a nice transparent clean sound without " artifact noise" that may happen if rely on the recording device used dependent on how good the pre's are in the device.

I recorded death cab.... when they opened for Pearl Jam for some shows many moons ago.