Mic levels quiet.

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Kaos is only a form of insanity
Member Since: Feb 03, 2005

Now I seem to have a problem where the volume levels of my mics are very quiet on my live rig. If I use a Line in source (mp3 player or the like) The volume levels are great (loads of watts).

WHY????

Shure 58's into berri UB2442fx into amp 650w etc...

I can increase the volume a little by mixing in the sub outs to the master, but it seems i have to really push the table to get any decent volume levels - and that's just for practice not a live situation!

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Member
Since: Dec 11, 2006


Sep 07, 2007 12:54 am

well y dont u use a pre amp for live? i dont think thats a no-no?

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Sep 07, 2007 03:55 am

yeah i agree....mics don't really put out 'line level'.....that's what preamps are for (read "gain" on a mixer)

Kaos is only a form of insanity
Member
Since: Feb 03, 2005


Sep 07, 2007 07:39 am

Theoretically the preamps of the mixer should be ample!! I realise the gain implications as for example my SM58's have to be pushed harder than my samson Q10's.

Wouldn't using a preamp before the preamp of the desk create tooooo much gain and become somewhat suceptible to feedback and distortion???


Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Sep 07, 2007 07:44 am

Quote:
Wouldn't using a preamp before the preamp


uhhh, yeah! no need to amplify the already amplified signal!

sorry to be a smartass but that's how i roll.

yes it's totally and completely redundant. that's my final answer.

Kaos is only a form of insanity
Member
Since: Feb 03, 2005


Sep 07, 2007 07:47 am

exactly what I thought!!!!!! now to find out what the real problem is!!

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Sep 07, 2007 09:09 am

Check the signal at the insert. If it's nice and fat, then the summing circuit of the mixer may be flaky.

Or, maybe just the preamp(s) are getting tired.

I'd check each one, and see if they're all the same. Maybe one or two are putzy, and the rest are fine.

I'm sure you already swapped out cables for known good ones, and tried different but similar mics.


Kaos is only a form of insanity
Member
Since: Feb 03, 2005


Sep 08, 2007 12:48 am

how do i check the signal at the inset pjk??

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 08, 2007 01:30 am

Wierd,

Looking at the block diag, there isn't much there. Per the block (which can be deceiving) each input is on a seperate op amp. Per the specs of the unit there should be plenty of umph.

The only other thing I can see is that the direct outs are not impediance isolated from the drive into the finals. Are you using the direct outs? Is there a difference if you disconnect the direct outs?

Kaos is only a form of insanity
Member
Since: Feb 03, 2005


Sep 08, 2007 02:03 am

Walt - As this is a basic live application I am using the main outs

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Sep 08, 2007 03:06 am

yeah, your pre's in the mixer arn't workin'.....like how much boost can ya get by adjusting the 'trim' or 'gain' knob?

Kaos is only a form of insanity
Member
Since: Feb 03, 2005


Sep 08, 2007 04:13 am

found two problems to begin with!!

Two dodgy leads on the output side to the amps (the right working fine but the left even after replacing was not working until I tried a third!!!)

Channel 2 + 4 are vitually dead!!!!! the pre's are knackered no adjustement on the gain controls and very very very quiet


Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Sep 10, 2007 08:09 am

Glad your digging out the problems. You can use PFL to judge how you're sliders are doing as they will be pulled out of circuit as you adjust your 'trim / gain' knobs for volume. You can try spinning the hell out of the gain trim knows on 2 and 4 as if they are dirty pots you may be able to 'clean them up'. All actual gain or amplification is controled by those trim knobs, the sliders are only antenuators. Beyond that I'm affraid it's opening up the unit and digging around.

SM7b the Chuck Noris of Mic's
Contributor
Since: Jun 20, 2002


Sep 10, 2007 08:39 am

i had the same problem with the same mixer. first off I've been a supporter of behringer mixers for awhile. I ended up taking the thing apart (very carfully) and having to re-sod a few things was well and carfully clean the inside. I don't use mine as a live mixer and i have very clean studio (no smoking , drinks , other crap) but it still had gunk build up, as well as poor workmanship.

Kaos is only a form of insanity
Member
Since: Feb 03, 2005


Sep 10, 2007 10:51 am

appreciated your help Walt & Geoff I will be digging a bit deeper into the mixer over the next couple of days to try and remedy the problem. It's sod's law i turned down an Allen & Heath GL2s for €300 only last week, due to not having the direct outs for the studio.......... what an idiot!!!

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