Topic: Problems with channels in MBHO > Mic2496 > MicroTrack2496 setup

[onebear]

There's something wrong with my setup. If I connect the mbhos in a DIN setup at home and play some loud music the left channel is much stronger than the right.
I recorded a show with the Nomad and that came out OK after I raised the right channel a great deal - but you can't listen to the show - because it seems ok but your ears can't stand it - that channel issue is still present in some very bad way that your ears can't stand.
I really hope somebody can help me out here.. please it's so frustrating.
I'll post some info about the 2 channels if that could help.

What I have tried:
I send the Mic2496 to Core Sound so they could test it and they did not find any problems with the damn preamp
I changed all cables in the setup.
I tried to use my old Nomad jukebox with another cable (Toslink-to-Miniplug) to the mic2496 but that is exactly the same.

Here's my setup in detail: MBHO 603A/KA-200N (2 xlr-f break cable, balanced) > Core Sound Mic2469 (S/PDIF coaxial RCA/RA mini cable) > M-Audio MicroTracker.

[RebelRebel]

this sounds really simple but...sounds like your mics arent matched??is it that way every time??is one channel always stronger??MBHO can match them if that is the case.

[fozzy]

2nd time out w/ my homebrew MBHO actives i had a brickwalled single channel because one of the active cables was not seated properly.  I would try resetaing your actives and then switch em around.

[Roving Sign]

this sounds really simple but...sounds like your mics arent matched??is it that way every time??is one channel always stronger??MBHO can match them if that is the case.

I dont think there should be that much difference - even unmatched...something else is up.

[RebelRebel]

I hope it doesnt require sending to MBHO. I do have a pair of 4050s here that are terribly mismatched, though when I bought them (as a matched set)they were fine...
this thread reminds me i have to get them fixed. mine are like 9 db off or something.

[cybermansrev]

Surely a bit of trial and errors needed here, you've tried JB3 and MT24/96 both have recorded weak Right channel so problems not with the recorder. Have you tried MBHO's directly into TRS of microtrack with phantom power if the levels equal then the problem would seem to lie with the Mic 2496 (which is were my money is, I'm sure I've read of a few people getting adept at setting different levels for R/L on the mic 2496 whatever Len says.)
Let us know what happens.

[onebear]

Surely a bit of trial and errors needed here

Thank you guys for all your replies, I'll post later today when I have done some more testing

[Sebastian]

I just did a test with my MBHOs into the MicroTrack's 1/4" TRS jacks in a DIN setup. It seems like the left channel is just a tiny bit louder than the right channel (I'd guess by about 0.5 - 2 dB). However, when I run the mics through my UA-5, the left and right levels are almost identical. So, my guess is that the MicroTrack just isn't as accurate as other pre-amps. But a 9 dB difference indeed seems to be way to high.

OT: Just found out that the MicroTrack's phantom power is operational in "L" (Line) mode. That setting was quite helpful at yesterday's Foo Fighters show

[onebear]

I found the problem in me setup. It's of course the damn preamp from Core Sound > Mic2496.
After I connected the MBHOs direct to the MicroTracker the channels was completely on the same level - and may I add what a wonderful sight
It feels so goddamn good to finally have found the problem - so a big thx to cybermansrev and all the other people who replied to my request - it's really appreciated.
It took Core Sound so looooooong time to test and return my Mic2496 - and with the bonus of not finding the problem.
So I can only say DON'T BUY A MIC2496 FROM CORE-SOUND!

Now my problem is what to replace the mic2496 with - maybe a Denecke setup like PS-2 > AD-20.
Please respond if you have other suggestions to what me next preamp setup could be.

Thanks and peace out
/onebear

[RebelRebel]

Nothing new about Core Sound.  Horror stories galore about that business.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=56579.0,

the sonosax m2 is another small setup,

the Eaa psp2 or psp3(if you can find em)  are tiny as well.

http://www.posthorn.com/Aeta_3.html

[phishy12]

i absolutley agree. avoid core sound at all costs!!!! especially Len, he's a real dickhead!!!

i have a ps-2 and an ad-20 if you'd like to purchase one???

[Sanjay]

buy an mp-2/mixpre/fp-24

them and the MBHO's go together like bread and butter

[onebear]

buy an mp-2/mixpre/fp-24

them and the MBHO's go together like bread and butter

I think I'll go buy myself a Sound Devices MixPre - thanks for the tip Sanjay