New Taper

[anodyne33]

The JB3 level meters are horrible. If it get's to the very top (and it's all or nothing) you're clipping. Check it.

[DMBprez]

So, I have no idea what that means.  I'm sorry for my n00bness.


Can you take my thru step by step as to what to do if my levels shit the bed?

[DMBprez]

Also, is this an okay pre amp?

http://www.zzounds.com/item--ALEIO2

[Ryan Sims]

Also, is this an okay pre amp?

http://www.zzounds.com/item--ALEIO2

Probably not.  It's powered through the USB, so unless you're doing laptop recording, which you aren't if you have the JB3, it won't cut it in the field. 

[Brian Skalinder]

Also, is this an okay pre amp?

http://www.zzounds.com/item--ALEIO2

Probably not.  It's powered through the USB, so unless you're doing laptop recording, which you aren't if you have the JB3, it won't cut it in the field. 

First things first:  it's a preamp and analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

I think the biggest obstacle to field recording with this thing is not so much powering (after all, the MT2496 runs on USB power), but rather interface.  Looks like it's only digital output is via USB, so you'd have to use a laptop for field recording.  Your JB3, as a purely digital recorder, would be useless paired with this pre/ADC.  I suppose you could run analog out to the JB3, but the analog outputs probably run through an AD/DA stage (analog input > ADC > DAC > analog output) and likely don't sound all that great.

Whoops, scanned through the specs too swiftly.  Looks like it includes S/PDIF output, but it specifically lists 24-bit S/PDIF input/output.  So, two issues: <1> you'd need to convert the S/PDIF coax (I assume coax S/PDIF, specs usually call out optical S/PDIF specifically) to optical, via something like the Hosa ODL-276.  And <2> need to find out if it outputs 16-bit.  If it can't output 16-bit, only 24-bit, it's no use with your JB3 because the JB3 will truncate the least significant 8-bits.

[anodyne33]

So, I have no idea what that means.  I'm sorry for my n00bness.


Can you take my thru step by step as to what to do if my levels shit the bed?

Just make sure that the levels don't hit the peak region (you might be okay if it's just momentary here and there, but that's pushing it) and you'll be all good.

[Brian Skalinder]

Can you take my thru step by step as to what to do if my levels shit the bed?

Simply turn the levels down.  Step-by-step for how you do so depends on what gear you're using.  If an external preamp and/or ADC, turn down the levels using the external preamp/ADC.  If running analog-in to the JB3, use the JB3 to turn the levels down.  I no longer own a JB3, so I can't walk you through step-by-step, but it should be pretty straightforward.

[DMBprez]

Okay, I just got the JB3.  I need help.

I plug everything in, Mics->XLR->Phantom-> MIT 176's->Converter->JB3.  I get the JB3 going and the recording up and the levels arent moving...

Shuold I be concerned?

[Ryan Sims]

Try tapping gently on the capsule of the mic and see what happens.  They levels likely won't do anything if you don't provide a decent amount of sound to them. 

[twatts]

Okay, I just got the JB3.  I need help.

I plug everything in, Mics->XLR->Phantom-> MIT 176's->Converter->JB3.  I get the JB3 going and the recording up and the levels arent moving...

Shuold I be concerned?

Make sure you have the JB3 set to record via "line-in" rather than "optical-in".  That should solve the problem...  If you tap on a mic, it should register on the meters...

Terry

[twatts]

Also, I know you want to run Gov't Mule in Dec.  I would find a local bar that is taper-friendly and practice taping crappy local bands until you are familiar with your equipment before the Mule show...  That way you are familiar with your stuff before showing up at Mule. 

One thing to do at these practice sessions is try adjusting your levels at different points in the show.  Make notes on a small note pad.  Let's say you do song 1 and 2 at "normal" then song 3 and 4 running levels "hot " (higher than normal) and then run the next 2 "cold" (lower than normal).  When you get home, you can listen to the difference in each an gauge how "hot" you can run before your recording "clips" (gets all staticky from too much signal).

Terry

[run_run_run]

Also, I know you want to run Gov't Mule in Dec.  I would find a local bar that is taper-friendly and practice taping crappy local bands until you are familiar with your equipment before the Mule show...  That way you are familiar with your stuff before showing up at Mule. 

Good idea, but I think he is to young for bars like myself 

[DMBprez]

Okay.  So I'm a complete idiot.

I went to the Black Crowes show this evening, amazing btw, but anyway.  I was watching my meter all night and all of a sudden I realize... There's only one meter moving up and down, there's two mics... What the hell?  Sure enough, get in the car, and it's only playing out of the left side.

The recording was pretty decent, imo.  But, now I can't figure out why the hell it only recorded on one side? 

Any suggestions?

[DMBprez]

And yes, everything was plugged in.  I checked that numerous times.   

[anodyne33]

Try recording something else to the JB# to rule out it's input first of all. CD player>RCA-1/8">JB3 should fit the bill. One thing to be careful of also (and this is all over the FAQ dude... c'mon now) is the lip hanging over the input of the JB3 from the lid. You may want to trim it back. It frequently keeps analog cables from seating fully.