Topic: Question bout operating NJB3 on SBD, gain controll

[RetroDude83]

Hello, I've bought a used NJB3 for having a spare recorder but mainly to record from the SBD with it. Next week I'm seeing a show which I intend to record from both, the sbd and mics. As I havent used the NJB3 yet, I was wondering about a certain thing on the JB3.

I'd want to record in wav @44.1/16 and as I check the device just now I realize you can set the gain level beforehand. If I set the level to -10dB will the record the peak level alwas be -10dB maxium, no matter how hot the signal comes from the line-in? I doubt it but I'm just playing around with it for the first time and still need to figure things out here.

I'd want to know how to set the levels beforehand, without having them get near clipping so I can raise the volume afterwards. My buddy will be operating the JB3 device at the soundboard while I'm up front recording with the mics, so I will not be able to look at the peak levels myself + I only would want him(my buddy) to press the "rec" button and nothing else. Is there some recommended gain level to set when recording from the desk? Like -12dB or something to be on the save side? thanks for reading

[runonce]

I like to set my gain at 0db. That should be unity. No gain added or subtracted.

If you have access to the RCA outs - use those.  Let the mixing console drive the unit.

I find the JB3 can take quite a hot signal at that setting.

[RetroDude83]

so you're basically saying I should set the gain to 0dB and I will be fine? What if the sound dude raises the volume on his desk? I'd think that would distort the whole shit... I'll give it a try then, thanks.

The board I tape from has XLR outs, I have those XLR adapters for my RCA cable. Taped there last year as well, but only from the sbd where I had to set levels on my ls-10 recorder, worked pretty good. just worrying about distortion this time, because as already said, I wont be operating the unit (jb3) myself...

[rowjimmytour]

My suggestion would be set NJB3 where you comfortable at first then set your levels w/ aud source up front and then after the first song or 3/4 in switch places w/ your friend. He can watch your gear up front and then you set levels manual at board and if you know FOH guy maybe he can help keep you from peaking. I would do the switch a roo again during the 2/nd set and you should be golden. I believe the above comment about -0db was where you want to peak w/ 16/44.1 recordings but if I was planing  on mixing the sources down to 2 track I might peak the SDB at -6db. It all depends on the sources and how you like your mix. One thing that makes it easier to mix when you edit is keeping the sources as close in levels as possible.

[runonce]

My suggestion would be set NJB3 where you comfortable at first then set your levels w/ aud source up front and then after the first song or 3/4 in switch places w/ your friend. He can watch your gear up front and then you set levels manual at board and if you know FOH guy maybe he can help keep you from peaking. I would do the switch a roo again during the 2/nd set and you should be golden. I believe the above comment about -0db was where you want to peak w/ 16/44.1 recordings but if I was planing  on mixing the sources down to 2 track I might peak the SDB at -6db. It all depends on the sources and how you like your mix. One thing that makes it easier to mix when you edit is keeping the sources as close in levels as possible.

0db refers to the actual settings on the JB3. You can either add or subtract gain in 1 db increments. 0db is unity gain. Should keep you on the safe side...too low a level more likely than too high. Just suggesting a safe setting for unattended operation.

Since the OP is taking a higher gain balanced connection, he is going to be more likely to distort. So dial it back -6db. But this is a potential brickwall situation so changing the levels at the recorder might not cut it.

Thats why - for this recorder - take the unbalanced outs if available...better match.

the biggest challenge with the JB3 is the level meters. Hard to make sense out of them on the high side...train your newbie well.

[runonce]

so you're basically saying I should set the gain to 0dB and I will be fine? What if the sound dude raises the volume on his desk? I'd think that would distort the whole shit... I'll give it a try then, thanks.

The board I tape from has XLR outs, I have those XLR adapters for my RCA cable. Taped there last year as well, but only from the sbd where I had to set levels on my ls-10 recorder, worked pretty good. just worrying about distortion this time, because as already said, I wont be operating the unit (jb3) myself...

I always think of it like this - the soundguy is more or less doing the same thing we are doing...just with more channels.

But, do use caution when going bal>unbal. Might want to study the board to see if there are any other outs. If you can get a level control from your XLR outs...good enoough. Just set at the jb3 at 0db and drive it from the console.

Im suggesting a safe setting...so if the soundguy raises it a bit, you'll likely still have some comfort room.

[RetroDude83]

Sorry for taking so long to get back here. I had the chance to muck around with the NJB3 at the last couple of shows I've been to and runonce is right, setting the JB3's gain to 0dB is the way to go! Thanks for the advice!

[dean]

Additionally, increasing gain above 0 dB on the JB3 introduces an incredible amount of internal noise.  I recommend never increasing above 0 dB on this unit.  At zero or negative, however, it's a dandy of a recorder.