Anyone that's ever used an Avalon 737 LOOK!!

[moonmusic]

Hello Guys,
I just got an Avalon VT737SP and I am having a hard time getting this puppy under control...I have a U87 -10DB pad ON....Going to the 737 mic input, then out of the 737 xlr out with a mic cable into input 5 of the 002 via one of those xlr to 1/4inch adaptors...the input switch on the 002 is set to +4db...I've tried many settings including the ones in the manual to get started but I'm getting distortion and the alot of gain...Even with the outputs set to 0db on the 737, I'm still getting distortion....I was just wondering if everyone has this much trouble getting a decent sound out of it? This isn't the first preamp I've ever used so I don't know what I'm doing wrong...Any info would be great...Thanks...Ted

[phaseout]

Make sure your XLR to 1/4 inch adapter is balanced with a TRS type 1/4 inch plug. an adapter with a TS plug will mess it all up. that's the only thing I can think of.

Have fun with that bad boy!! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
-drew

[Jayman#9]

I'm also thinking of getting the 737sp, but I'm also thinking of getting the Universal Audio 1176LN reissue and an EQ.

I have used 737SP a fair bit. I also had troubles getting going with it. It natually has a distorted tube sound to it. But it souldn't be too much. As far as the gain goes, try lowering your Digi inputs to -10 or more (under your hardware preferences). Then you'll be in good shape.

Remember that the Avolon has a flat tubey sound to it. So if you don't like that, you might want to consider trading it in for something a little more transparent.

[DanyL]

I've used the 737 alot with my Digi001, didn't have any distorsion problem, phasout was right make sure you have the proper XLR to 1/4 (tip ring sleeve) check the pins, if everything is set to +4 you should'nt have any problems. check the level at the output of the avalon (meter switch should be unpress) I've used this preamp with alot of mics without any problems (U67, SM57, Rode NT2, and U87)

[mjames08]

Sounds like you have the gain on the 737 up too high maybe? Or if there is an ouput level it is up too high.. Is there an output level nob?

[moonmusic]

Hey guys,
Thanks for the replies...I did make it through the session today ok after twisting knobs for about 45 min...I ended up keeping both outputs at 0db...I just basically had to watch my mic technic and not get too loud too close....I'm used to doing it that way anyway but I was hoping the compressoer would give me more leeway and it did to an extent...Just not as much as I was hoping...I do like the sound of tube so I won't be trading this in anytime soon.....I'm going into the software and dropping the db -10 like someone suggested...I didn't realize you could do that but it definately needs done because everything is pretty loud...Even the keyboards..Also how do I check the adaptor to see if it's right or not?...I have a multimeter that beeps on the continuity setting and can do it that way...I just need to know how....I understand my pins on the xlr end but I don't understand the 1/4 inch end...I can say that after listening to the results tonight, I definately like the sound of the Avalon compared to just the 002 preamps...I just need to get things a little more tweeked...Thanks for all the ideas and I'll definately try them...Thanks...Ted

[gerax]

Hi

To check out if the XLR to TRS cable is correctly wired just open it up and inspect it, it has to be like this:

pin 1 or Ground on the XLR = sleeve on the jack, pin 2 or Hot = tip
pin 3 or Cold = ring

hot and cold can be swapped but this will reverse the phase of the signal.

Hope this is helpful

L.G.

[marcusb]

I've used the 737 heaps with the 001 and never had a problem.

You really should use a properly wired balanced connection between the output and digi input. I've always left the software gain set to +4.

One thing to make sure is that the 'high gain' switch isn't enabled on the 737. Make sure your gain structure is correct on the 737 using the meter (check your input and output levels), also double check the alignment of the meter, this is easiest done with it set to meter the gain reduction. The meter should read 0db gain reduction with no signal present if it isn't you can correct the meter alignment with a small flat head screwdriver below the meter.

Also in relation to gain structure remember that 0dbVU should be metering somewhere between -18 and -14 dbFS in protools depending on your own house standard.

Cheers,
Marcus

[steals]

Hey Allen, I'm going to get the Lucid AD9624 and the UA M610. Any comments?

[Allen Hallada]

Originally posted by steals:
Hey Allen, I'm going to get the Lucid AD9624 and the UA M610. Any comments?

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">The guy I bought my Great River preamp from recommended the Lucid converters to me. www.mercenary.com Said they were the best for the money and he sells alot of them. One reason I chose the Cranesong HEDD 192 is for the tape saturation. I don't use many added affects with this setup. Not familiar with the UA M610 but if it is made by UA it should be a good one.
Allen [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]