Digi 002 Rack - Mic/Line Share Preamps?

[digijohn]

Hey guys -

Does anyone know if Digi 002 XLR mic and TRS line inputs 1-4 share the preamps, or do you only benefit from the preamps through the XLR mic inputs? (I know you can't use mic/line inputs at the same time, just didn't know if the preamps are applied to the TRS line inputs.)

Thanks!

John

[M.Brane]

Line-level input = no preamp.

[Mikeren]

Hey John,

1-4 line do go through the preamp, thus the adjustable 0 to +50dB gain range on those "line inputs". 5-8 are direct no-gain line inputs (and thus a shorter, cleaner signal path for line signals). 5-8 do have a +4dBu or -10dBV switch to match the incoming level, as well.

MR

[flommer]

So it would appear that the line/inst - mic switch is just a 18db pad, not a bypass of some sort?

[lwilliam]

I think that's correct. The 001 was like that as well (simply a padded mic preamp for line level).

[digijohn]

Thanks for responding, guys. My reason for asking is that I have a Roland Fantom X7 keyboard, and it has balanced 1/4" outputs. I didn't know if I should pick up some 1/4" to XLR cables to take advantage of the preamps or not.

John

[randyT]

If you did use 1/4" to XLR you would be causing an impedence mis-match because the XLR input is set to match a MIC input (Low impedence) and not a synth (high impedence). You would be much better of to use the 1/4" line input on the 002. Even better yet, to improve the noise floor, get an Ebtech line level shifter to boost your -10 dbv synth output up to +4dbu before you go into the 002. Then you would get a significant improvement in the noise floor as opposed to the noise floor degradation you would get trying to go through an extra pre-amp or by using the -10dbv/+4dbu switches that are really just level gain blocks and not a true conversion like the Ebtech transformers provide.

randy

[digijohn]

If you did use 1/4" to XLR you would be causing an impedence mis-match because the XLR input is set to match a MIC input (Low impedence) and not a synth (high impedence).

OK, now I'm confused. The Fantom X7 has 1/4" TRS balanced outputs. I even called Roland, and they *say* the outputs are +4 (though the tech guy wasn't sure because he said "Japan hasn't really told us.")

About the Ebtech Line Level Shifter -- is this a direct box?

Thanks!

John

[lwilliam]

The Fantom may not have the same output impedance as many "synthesizers". Synthesizers have historically been designed to be plugged into a keyboard or guitar amp. Keyboard amps have high impedance inputs just like guitar amps.

However, many of the newer "workstations" don't have high impedance outputs and if the literature says it has +4 outputs, then they are probably low impedance and definitely are line level. The fact that they are also balanced gives a good clue. Newer workstations are often designed to be plugged into mixer inputs rather than keyboard amps.

My guess is you'll probably be just fine using the line level inputs to your 002r. Use balanced cables for way less noise.