VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

georgethetech · Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 10:00 pm Post subject:

Peter:

Yes, you want your pre's to run directly into the A/D. Make sure the Duet is in +4 line in mode, and you'll bypass its internal preamps (unlike cheaper interfaces, you'll hear a relay click inside). This mistake is such a common problem. I had a client today running a U87a through a Grace 801R pre (yes, really) into a Shure X2u! Wow...

Another technique to bypass the Mackie preamps is to use the insert jacks and use on the "return" half of the signal to feed in a preamp. This will be unbalanced, but with short cable runs is no big deal.

George
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Bish · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 7:37 am Post subject:

Thanks George,

Yes, I'd worked out before that using the +4 output on the Mackie, and the same on the Duet was the way to go to bypass the Duet's pre-amps. I've looked again at the 1202 block diagram and can see what you mean about the return path on the insert point... bypasses the preamp, and inserts before the EQ, channel level, etc.

I can see how this would be a minefield for someone who wants a "plug'n'play" solution. I knew about bypassing the Duet's pres, but had totally missed the need to bypass the Mackie pre when using the dbx.

How many are in a similar situation with an outboard preamp, a mixer and a digital interface, who are inadvertently using all three preamps in their signal chain!

I love this place!

Cheers
peter
_________________
Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

georgethetech · Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2011 8:01 pm Post subject:

Almost every single client I work with who uses an outboard preamp and a mixer is in the same boat. I have clients who make millions a year doing exactly that. While it is far from ideal, with the gain staging set properly it can work fine. However, once you get into the minutia of A/B testing pres, you need to really look at the details...

More and more I use a passive splitter to send the preamp to A/D, ISDN, and monitor mixer to keep it clean us possible. Love the Grace m101 because it outputs 3 simultaneous signals, negating the need for a splitter (as does the GAP73, I believe).

FYI: One top promo voice uses a 416-dbx286-onyx1220 w/firewire, another uses a 416-TCGold-Mackie 1640-Mbox, another 416-Focusrite Red 7-Mackie 1220-Apogee Duet, and another 416-Avalon 737-onyx820i.
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

JTVG · Backstage Pass Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 433

Mike Sommer · Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 8:23 am Post subject:

Some people claim they have latency issues but I have never come across that in my travels. Most of the issues can be centered around improper settings, driver issues, the computer or the operator.

Firewire is the way to go if you can get it.
_________________
The Blog:
http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/

Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.