V2 levels

[Tony B]

I loved my V2, but I'm looking forward to seeing what the V3 can do. The all-in-one thing is nice as well. That's what's cool about this hobby (and this board)..it's very incestuous (in a good, self sustaining way), so people can try different combos.

[Kyle]

who knows what I'll be running when I get back in the game but V2->AD2k at 24bit sounds pretty good to me... but then there's the whole 1 box v 2box issue

I have the same 1 box vs 2 box issue (V2 and AD2k) but I love my V2, I couldn't ever give it up.

btw, nice avatar, I really miss that guy

[wbrisette]

I have the same 1 box vs 2 box issue (V2 and AD2k) but I love my V2, I couldn't ever give it up.

Since I don't stealth, I've never worried too much about 1 box, 2 boxes, 3, boxes, or more. It's always been about the sound. At this very moment, it's a 3 box solution for me (mixer, A/D, DAT), but since I run 4 mics I have always been pretty much stuck with at least a three box solution.

I've found the AD2K+ fits nicely in the upper pouch of the DA-P1 portabrace bag, so it really isn't any harder to carry it around. The biggest thing is the cabling. I tear everything down, so it takes me a few extra minutes when I setup to get everything cabled and setup.

Wayne

[radioboy1977]

who knows what I'll be running when I get back in the game but V2->AD2k at 24bit sounds pretty good to me... but then there's the whole 1 box v 2box issue

i thought you picked up a pair of schoeps?

[Brian]

I loved my V2, but I'm looking forward to seeing what the V3 can do. The all-in-one thing is nice as well. That's what's cool about this hobby (and this board)..it's very incestuous (in a good, self sustaining way), so people can try different combos.

i leaped from V2>modsbm1 to V3 and have really been loving settingthe levels on the V3.  it's so easy and you can push it real hot without worrying about an audible clip!

now if i could just get a 24bit setup i'd be set

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

i leaped from V2>modsbm1 to V3 and have really been loving settingthe levels on the V3.  it's so easy and you can push it real hot without worrying about an audible clip!

The two things I miss about the V2>SBM combo is that I used to do fade-in and fade-out in the field and I could always attenuate at the SBM if I needed to.  With the V3, you have to get it right within 5db either direction or you get a 5db step adjustment.  I still don't get it right every show.

[F.O.Bean]

honestly, and IMO of course, but the 5db step-up isnt really audible, at leats on my system, its just gets louder, but not like a noticeable jump ala the dmic or something, unless your WAY below the levels needed

[Tim]

With the V3, you have to get it right within 5db either direction or you get a 5db step adjustment.  I still don't get it right every show.

just use the variable trim

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

With the V3, you have to get it right within 5db either direction or you get a 5db step adjustment.  I still don't get it right every show.

just use the variable trim

I do that.  I start with the trim in the center, which gives me 5db of adjustment in either direction.  But sometimes I'm either too low with the trim maxed (I'm still running 16-bit so I want to use all the bits) or I get surprised and with trim dropped to zero I'm still clipping.  Doesn't happen often, but just often enough to keep me uncomfortable until the first few songs are done.

With the continuously variable attenuation on the SBM, I could go to that if I needed to and not adjust the stepped gain on the grace box.

The only real solution is to figure out how to get into sound check.  I'm not counting on that.


Bean's right about the stepped gain, it's a very clean step.

[Tim]

gotcha!

[F.O.Bean]

thats what i do too, start w/ trim on the v3 aT 12 oclock, and adjust from there, and also, its not the v3 really, its prolly the soundman fine tuning the first few songs at least the acse w/ memost of the time

[BC]

With the V3, you have to get it right within 5db either direction or you get a 5db step adjustment.  I still don't get it right every show.

just use the variable trim

I do that.  I start with the trim in the center, which gives me 5db of adjustment in either direction.  But sometimes I'm either too low with the trim maxed (I'm still running 16-bit so I want to use all the bits) or I get surprised and with trim dropped to zero I'm still clipping.  Doesn't happen often, but just often enough to keep me uncomfortable until the first few songs are done.

The only real solution is to figure out how to get into sound check.  I'm not counting on that.

I would suggest writing down the gain you used in your source info for each show, and add a couple notes as to how hot the music peaked. For example, I write down, V3: (+38, peaks at ~-7dB). After a few shows you will have it down where you need to set your gain given the type of concert and venue you are at.

FWIW I run DPA 4022, fairly low sensitivity mics (7mV/Pa)>V3, for small/medium club rock shows I always run ~+37dB (+35 knobs/+2 trim), resulting in peaks right in the -4 to 2dB range (I usually go a bit conservative on levels). For unamplified/classical/jazz type shows I usually run +52, for classical stuff this gives me peaks ~-7-9dB, just about the perfect amount of headroom for just in case situations, and I boost afterward with the Waves L2 Ultramaximizer (thanks Alex!). If on stage for loud shit and close to a drum kit (like Kimock for example) I would probably start at +32 (+25 knobs/+7 trim) and adjust from there. Of course your specific settings will depend on your mics and their sensitivity but this should give you a decent starting point. Hope this helps!!

Happy taping!
Ben

[Ed.]

+t ben

thats really helpful.

[Mic D]

Good advice Ben. It's all about knowing your gear! Lately I've been able to set my levels pre-show to where I only have to adjust them ever-so-slightly during the opener.

[caymanreview]

Ben is Def the master of levels on his v3. ive watched him in action. set the levels 5-10 minutes before show, start recording and walk away... get a drink hit the john and no have to worry