Low Input level

[PTgeek911]

Ok guys, I have a 6176 as my main preamp and have a few questions. When I get a good level on my 6176 (say Im micing an amp) its not peaking. Now when I look at levels in pro tools it's very low. It has no dynamics (in the sense that the waveform looks like a long, almost perfect rectangle.) Is there a cure for this, or is this just how it works? Im bypassing the compressor. It seems no matter what I try I cant figure it out. Now with my Digimax, I have no problem since its going through digital. Thanks in advanced

[doopadee]

Are you getting the signal into PT from your mic or is it just noise? If the signal from your mic is too low then it's possible that your preamp just has a very low output. Try turning up the gain on your pre and/or using your compressor to get a hotter signal going to PT.


Adam Miele
Pulse Music, NYC
(212) 358-7900
[email protected]

[PTgeek911]

Everything is good. But the signal is low. I dont want it to clip my 6176 just to get a hot signal for pt. If you have any other advice, please let me know!

[Iain Graham]

What's the reference level for 0VU on your PT interface?

I use -18dBFS, and that looks really low on PTs meters. However, that low level is correct, it's just the scaling of PTs metering.

Is your pre metering around 0VU?

[PTUser NYC]

What's the reference level for 0VU on your PT interface?

I use -18dBFS, and that looks really low on PTs meters. However, that low level is correct, it's just the scaling of PTs metering.

Is your pre metering around 0VU?

And if your levels are correct, maybe its the source. If all you've tested is distorted guitar, it might look like that. Try a vocal?

[robstaman]

maybe this will help

[Craig F]

from page 4 of the pdf:

Maximum Output Level +20 dBm

so if you have not re-calibrated your interface from the -18 dBFS that it coms from the factory with the output will clip the D to A converter by 2 dB.

[JGuth]

I. If the signal is clean and quiet you can just adapt to that level scheme and it will still be fine-there are many threads about that.
If you still want a hot level in PT it's hard with calb at -18. I just use the -10 level inputs on my 192 so I don't have to push the output level of my preamps to get hot levels in PT, but I'm trying to back off from that habit-there is no sonic advantage, although I do think the wave displays get grainy if the level is really low.