The "Sensitivity" control on my Soundcard Box thing

Posted on Sep 03, 2003 11:00 am
Alanfc
Member Since: Mar 13, 2003

Hello-

I'm getting down to the fine details here with input levels, mic position, amp settings...
I have an Edirol UA-5 external soundcard/box-thing. I am mic'ing a Marshall with the SM 57, into a VTB-1 preamp, then into this Soundcard.

The Edirol guy said that the pre-amps on the UA-5 become inactive when using a 1/4" plug, and the Sensitivity knob becomes a volume regulator or floodgate or whatever. This is fine. I have the VTB-1. Then he says he puts his about 12 '00 when he uses a preamp. This is what I have been doing.......

But,
Shouldn't I run this Sensitivity knob full out wide open/all the way up? So that the max signal gets through? I'm not talking about volume levels, I mean the bits, the input signal.
But if I do that, the input level into my recording software meter-wise goes through the roof unless I cut the gains from the VTB-1 way way down. I won't be getting as much benefit from my hard earned VTB-1, or will I? I mean purely bits-wise, am I doing better with gain from my VTB-1 or increased Sensitivity settings from the Edirol. I am thoroughly confused. Something about A/D conversion here? I can get both scenarios to sound right, but still I must know. I love my preamp, and I don't have any feelings for the Edirol.

Hope this makes sense. Can anybody give me an opinion on this?

thanks

[ Back to Top ]