Why am I having to crank the gain?

[tommytime555]

Hi.

Maybe this is totally fine & expected but it seems like I'm really having to CRANK the gain on my Focusrite Clarett 2Pre to get a decent level on the two mics I have hooked up.

I'm miking an acoustic using a AKG 414c (at the 12th fret) + MLX 991 (at the bridge).... I have both mics approx 4-6 inches away from the acoustic but even then I'm having to put both of my gain knobs at about 8 (10 being the max)....

At about an 8 I'm getting the attached levels.... Does this seem right? I don't remember having to crank it like this when running an ISA-1 directly into my Digi002...

Any thoughts or confirmation appreciated.

Average dB: http://www.tommyowendesign.com/avid/average.png

T

[Melvin90]

Couldn't really tell from the pictures but do you have the pad engaged?

[tommytime555]

Originally Posted by Melvin90

Couldn't really tell from the pictures but do you have the pad engaged?

Sorry -- not totally sure what you mean by "pad"? the 48v boost is on, if that's what you mean? :/

T

[amagras]

The pad is a button that attenuates the gain in some preamps. Sometimes it's a physical button and others is in the control software included with the interface. Having said that, I have to crank my gain controls too with my Scarlett to be able to record acoustics, specially if I'm using a dynamic mic like an sm57.