Universal Audio 6176 > 003+ Problems

[Jupiter4]

Hi, I have 2 UA 6176s and overall I'm happy with them and love the sound I get but have a problem with getting a high enough output.

My signal path is as follows: Neumann U87 > UA 6176 > DIgi003+ (line input) > Logic or Pro Tools (Mac Pro 2x2.55GHz, 6 GB Ram).

I set up the 610 so that the meter (pre) meter is just sitting around or above zero, currently my settings are Gain: +10, Level: 8

I then switch the meter to GR and get a moderate amount of reduction, currently the 1176 input it set at 3. (attack:4 release: 7, Ratio 4)

I then try to get the output to sit around 0 on the comp meter (Current output: 7). If I have the output too high then theres a pretty good chance the vocalist at some stage will jump in volume and ruin the take.

I then go into a line input on the 003+ with the line input button pressed and the level on 0 so as to avoid the 003+ pres.

The problem is that the resulting level in logic or pro tools is really low. Am I doing something wrong?

Also neither the U87 or 610 pads are on.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

[HD2]

The output at 0 or below on your UA meter is analog so in PT or logic that will be -20, so if your signal is hovering around say -5 and peaking at 0 on the UA meter, then in Pt it will be -25 and peaking at -20. Also I don't believe you are avoiding the 003 pre's because you are plugged into it. Speaking of that are you using the xlr cable connector or the 1/4"?

[Jupiter4]

Yeah, I think you're right about the 003 pres, I'm plugged into the 1/4" input and I think that means I'm still going through the pres but by having it set to 0 I'll avoid as much coloration as possible.

So is my only solution to normalize or otherwise boost the level in Pro Tools once I've finished recording? Is there no way to get a better level?

[HD2]

Originally Posted by Jupiter4

Yeah, I think you're right about the 003 pres, I'm plugged into the 1/4" input and I think that means I'm still going through the pres but by having it set to 0 I'll avoid as much coloration as possible.

I doubt that. One way or another you are going to be increasing the level to where you need it. By just going into the pre and the A/D converter you are already adding "coloration". The only way to avoid it would be using the optical or sPdif in but you don't have a A/D converter in the UA.

Originally Posted by Jupiter4

So is my only solution to normalize or otherwise boost the level in Pro Tools once I've finished recording? Is there no way to get a better level?

Which input are you going in to on the 003?
Inputs 5-8 are switchable between +4 and -10 dbV. Have you tried that?
Also have you calibrated the meter on the 6176?

[albee1952]

I would use the inputs 5 thru 8 with the switches set to +4. Then, once I got the amount of compression I wanted(3-4db of GR would be fine for me), I would adjust the compressor output to give me the desired level in Pro Tools(just into the yellow, recording at 24 bit). Great preamps

[N8ty]

If you are just hitting yellow then you are hitting digital "0" which is at -12dbfs (db full scale). This will give 12 db of headroom. If you go above 0 dbfs there is nothing left, so you will get distortion.