How do i adjust gain on 003+

[Maddawg383]

I havent tried recording any other sources yet.
I just got this unit and im trying to dial everything(drums) in ....
But theres nothing to dial in because everything is at zero.
Im getting red meters and after test recording , the sound IS distorting as if ive got the pres set too high.
When i test everything with my mackie its all great (mackie out to a cd re order via rca stero out).
So i know my micing placement is okay.
My condensors going into the 003 are some cheap mxl603s (as low room mics)
And my overheads are akg perception 200 with the -10 enabled.
Yamaha subkick on the front head about 3" away and a audix d-6 about 10" away from the batter.
Shure sm57 on the snare about an inch a ove the head.
All theses placements sound okay when i hook them up to the octane 8.
I havent gotten to recording guitars yet.
No plugins.
All cables are mogamis xlr to xlr .
I guess i gotta go to the store and buy xlr to 1/4 and try that instead.
I did'nt have this problem with the 4 mic pres on my older digi002r.

[Maddawg383]

So let me get this straight.
The gain knobs arent to control the input level... But to add to it in case a level is too weak?

[flommer]

the specs on the 003+:

Gain Range: +18 – +65 dB
Gain Range (Pad engaged): -0 - +45 dB

And the specs on the 002:
Inputs 1-4: Mic Setting: +18 — +65 dB; Line/DI Setting: +0 — +50 dB

They are essentially the same.

And according to this, I was wrong.. with the knob all the way counter-clockwise, your 003 pres add 18dB of gain, with the pad engaged it = 0 gain.. But it's never off..

The gain knobs arent to control the input level... But to add to it in case a level is too weak?

Both are true.. But the signal coming from a Mic should always need some amplification

It's kind of like inputs 5-8 on the 002... they have no trim/level control. If you are driving those inputs to the point where they clip, then you need to back off on the level of the source.

Some people use these:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/IMPpad20/

when recording drums.

Seriously, try recording some other sources to get a point of reference. Drums, especially loud, close mic'ed drums, have extremes of dynamic range.. If you try recording some reasonable (non-screaming) vocals and you are clipping the inputs, then your 003 might have a problem. If not, then your drums are just too loud..

[Maddawg383]

Thanks alot for that info.
I guess i'll have to buy at least 7 of those attenuators.

[Bender]

It is always good to move the mics if it is to hot.

And it is true and misunderstood that the pres are used even when turned all the way to the left.

A good compressor can help too.

Good Luck

[Maddawg383]

The 40 db pads flommer suggested along with the pad on the 003 and the pads on the some of the mics helped.