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  #1  
Old 02-26-2015, 07:39 AM
Jaruseleh Jaruseleh is offline
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Default Getting hot levels on Mbox Pro even when gain is turned completely down

I have an aggregate setup using the scarlet i18/20 for my first 8 channels, and an Mbox Pro as my last 4 channels. I mic'd up our drum set tonight and got levels for the first 8 channels just fine, but when I got to the Mbox Pro channels, I'm peaking the LED lights with the gain all the way down to zero. I have troubleshot the cords and microphones, and all are working properly. I have used these channels in the past, but have recently updated pro tools and the firmware for both devices. I suspect that has something to do with it.

The only way I can describe it is as if the Mbox is WAY overdriving the signal coming to it, if that makes sense...

Anyone have any ideas?
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Old 02-26-2015, 04:53 PM
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Default Re: Getting hot levels on Mbox Pro even when gain is turned completely down

Have you pulled the volume pots to add a db pad?
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B Rig:MacBook Pro Spring 11, 2.33 GHz I7, 16GB RAM, OSX Mavericks 10.9.4, PT 11.2, MBox Pro 3, Glyph Portagig 62 portable 1 TB drive Firewired with 400, Presonus Faderport. 10 REMOVED!
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Old 02-26-2015, 08:28 PM
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albee1952 albee1952 is offline
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Default Re: Getting hot levels on Mbox Pro even when gain is turned completely down

Good question^^^ and what kind of signals are we talking about? Are these all microphones? I ask because sometimes people try to plug external mic preamps into XLR inputs on an Mbox
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Old 02-27-2015, 07:14 AM
Jaruseleh Jaruseleh is offline
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Default Re: Getting hot levels on Mbox Pro even when gain is turned completely down

I have not pulled the volume pots, and didn't even know you could do that until now. I will definitely give that a try, thanks!

And the mics are going directly in (well, through a snake, but no external pre-amps).
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Old 02-27-2015, 09:02 AM
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albee1952 albee1952 is offline
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Default Re: Getting hot levels on Mbox Pro even when gain is turned completely down

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaruseleh View Post
I have not pulled the volume pots, and didn't even know you could do that until now. I will definitely give that a try, thanks!

And the mics are going directly in (well, through a snake, but no external pre-amps).
Here's hoping the pull-out pad is the solution
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Old 02-27-2015, 09:13 AM
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Park Seward Park Seward is offline
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Default Re: Getting hot levels on Mbox Pro even when gain is turned completely down

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaruseleh View Post
I have not pulled the volume pots, and didn't even know you could do that until now. I will definitely give that a try, thanks!
From your user guide for the MBox Pro:

"Gain/–20 dB Pad Switches
These knobs adjust the input gain levels of Mic/DI 1 and 2, or Mic 3 and 4. Turn the knob clockwise to increase gain, and counter-clock- wise to decrease gain.
If your input signal is too hot even with the Gain knob at a low setting, pull the Gain knob out to engage a “pad” that attenuates the signal by –20dB."

I'd suggest reading the entire guide. You may find out other info that will help you.
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Old 02-27-2015, 01:33 PM
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Default Re: Getting hot levels on Mbox Pro even when gain is turned completely down

I found those pots by accident myself! I am not as disciplined as Park above but that is good advice to read that manual!
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B Rig:MacBook Pro Spring 11, 2.33 GHz I7, 16GB RAM, OSX Mavericks 10.9.4, PT 11.2, MBox Pro 3, Glyph Portagig 62 portable 1 TB drive Firewired with 400, Presonus Faderport. 10 REMOVED!
I am the main songwriter/performer for Midwest Whitetail, Cabela's Deer Nation, Spring Thunder, and Northern Waters Series!
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Old 03-02-2015, 03:41 PM
Jaruseleh Jaruseleh is offline
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Default Re: Getting hot levels on Mbox Pro even when gain is turned completely down

Yeah, I'm pretty new to all of this stuff (all the more reason to read the entire manual, huh?), but I've been around it a lot throughout the years. Just never seen this done, so didn't even think to try/look for it. Haven't had a chance to test it out yet to see if it works, but I have a strong feeling that it will. I'll find out this week. :)
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Old 03-02-2015, 05:24 PM
Bill Denton Bill Denton is offline
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Default Re: Getting hot levels on Mbox Pro even when gain is turned completely down

FWIW...

I am having a problem with CAD drum mics and the built-in preamps on my 003 Rack.

The mics are simply "too hot"...I'm going to have to pick up some external "attenuators" for my setup...Hosa makes some with XLR connections and switchable pad levels...around $15 each.

I probably wouldn't use them with a U87 going into a high-end preamp, but they should be okay for my purposes...
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Old 03-02-2015, 06:57 PM
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Default Re: Getting hot levels on Mbox Pro even when gain is turned completely down

Fingers crossed Jaruseleh - let us know.
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A Rig: MacBook Pro Spring 2013, 2.8Ghz I7, 16GB RAM,
OSX Mavericks 10.9.4, PT 11.2, MBox Pro 3, Glyph GT 050 Qx3 1.5 TB drives Thunderbolt-FW400, Presonus Faderport. 10 REMOVED!
B Rig:MacBook Pro Spring 11, 2.33 GHz I7, 16GB RAM, OSX Mavericks 10.9.4, PT 11.2, MBox Pro 3, Glyph Portagig 62 portable 1 TB drive Firewired with 400, Presonus Faderport. 10 REMOVED!
I am the main songwriter/performer for Midwest Whitetail, Cabela's Deer Nation, Spring Thunder, and Northern Waters Series!
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