Digimax D8 very low signal - normal?

[cellofish]

Hello- I recently purchased a Presonus Digimax D8 to add mic inputs to my 002. While testing all my condenser mics (Rode NT1000, Rode NT4, Samson CL8, and DPA 4099) with the unit, playing my cello at full volume, I had to turn the gain almost to max to get a decent signal. By decent, I mean the levels on the D8 would get to the 2nd green light, and it would get into the yellow on the ProTools meters. The gain knobs on the D8 go from 0 to 60, and I had to turn them to 55ish to get enough gain to record. At 60, however, there was definitely clipping.

The same thing happened when I plugged in acoustic guitar and electric cello into the instrument inputs.

Are there any D8 users out there who could tell me if this is normal, or might there be some problem with this particular unit?

Other than the low signal level, the sound is very nice and clean. Tested at 48 and 44.1., D8 is master clock.

Going through the mic inputs on the 002, I rarely have to turn the gain knobs past 3 o'clock.

My set-up: Macbook Pro, OS 10.5.8; Protools 8.0.1; Digi002; external audio drive; digimax D8 connected by 3-foot Auvio optical cable to 002 optical in.

thanks for any info/advice!

[cellofish]

In case anyone is interested...dealer sent me a new unit, which behaved in exactly the same way. So, I guess that having to turn the gain up to almost max is normal.

I ran my electric cello through an Avalon U5 with the boost at 3 or 4, and then into a D8 mic input; with that configuration, I only had to turn the gain up to about 1 o'clock on the D8 to get a good signal.

Any other Digimax D8 users out there with different experiences? I know this is a ProTools forum, and that this is a peripheral question. But I had noticed that other posters in this forum have used the Digimax D8 with success, so I thought I'd ask. Thanks!

[YYR123]

On a mic signal - balanced input seems high maybe in an unbalanced signal

I have to run some of mine pretty high also on the Focusrite stuff as well but usually just the TS signals