Low analog line input on 192 i/o inputs (AD)

[SoundReplay]

Hello All,

Just bought a 192 i/o with an AD Expansion interface. Installation and software setup of HD2 went smoothly. Bought also 3 Digisnakes (DB25 to 8 TRS Balanced)... so everything according to the book. Oh yes, I am using a Power Mac G5 Quad.

Problem: the 16 AD inputs are very low in line input level !!! Even with synthesizers at maximum volume, I can't reach -20 db !

What I already tried:

1) switching the DB25 from +4dBu to -10dBV interface -> worse
2) removed patchbay (Neutrik NYS-SPP-L) and connected an outboard synthesizer directly with non balanced cabling -> same result
3) reconfigured analog output options (trim settings) from A to B for each line output -> better, but still not sufficient line input
4) checked calibration mode: all OK
5) changed the input trims below the two DB25 connectors ... not enough gain (calibrated back to original settings)

I am out of ideas here. I migrated from a PT24 Mix Plus with 882/20 interfaces and never saw this problem.

Thanks for all other ideas !!!

Dirk

[Andre Knecht]

Two things.

Typically, synthesizer outputs vary in nature and level. The vast majority feature unbalanced outs referenced to -10. The latter kind just isn’t designed to comfortably drive a balanced/+4 input. Use a pre-amp with “direct” input to feed the 192, or a separate DI box feeding a preamp.

Also, just to eliminate variables, are you sure that your Digisnakes are the DB25-TRS kind? Digisnakes come in two 1/4" varieties. The ones you want are colored orange. Digi also makes a snake with TS terminations (colored <font color="#666666">grey) which have built-in resistors, designed to attenuate +4 signals from a 192 output fed to external gear with -10 inputs.

IHTH.

[SoundReplay]

Hi Andre,

Thanks for your answer . I am using the Digisnake Orange TRS Balanced cable like you mentioned. So what you are suggesting is that I MUST connect the snake to the DB25 -10dbu connector to drive up the input level ? Strange, because I've never seen this issue with the 882/20.

I rather don't want to use a separate preamp for my outboard gear. Still desperately seeking for a solution...

Dirk

[ChaplainPC]

I use The Line Level Shifter by Ebtech to feed my 1080 to my 192. They have a 2 channel or 8 channel version.

Ebtech
Studio