Close Micing Problem
Home > Home Recording Forum > Recording Techniques > Close Micing Problem
Posted on Nov 06, 2008 06:05 pm
Peter Wright
Junior Wright
Member Since: May 22, 2005
A couple years ago I picked up a Crate VC-508 and use a Alesis Nanoverb. The LINEOUT on the Crate is used with a splitter cable, on plug goes to the input on the Nanover and one plug goes to the output. This works great and I've always been happy with it but I have one problem. When I try to close mic it for recording I can't get a very strong input signal. (Using a Tascam US-122L and Adobe Audition). Turning up the OUTPUT knob on the Nanoverb helps but makes the amp very loud and the input signal is still not great. If I unplug the Nanoverb from the LINEOUT on the VC-508 the signal is dramatically stronger. I've tried alot of different settings with the knobs but can't seem to figure it out.
I'm using the 2nd input on the US-122L to record vocals, which works fine (good strong input signal) so I know it is not a problem with the US-122L.
I've experienced this exact problem when close micing through a PA.
I have a direct line off the speaker leads which I can run to the LINEIN on the US-122L and get a good signal, but I'd like to know why the close micing doesn't work. I have to think I don't have the knobs set right.
[ Back to Top ]
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Nov 06, 2008 06:36 pm I'm at a loss on how you're splitting the signal, sending one plug to the NOV input, and one to the output. This, while plugged into the VC LINEOUT.
That's baffling me.
Also, I can't seem to find a pic of the back, to know what I/O is on it. I'm assuming input and output, of 1/4" or xlr.
One option:
If you're recording into the PC (via us122) then don't use the nanoverb. Just plug mic into 122 preamp, and leave it at that. Add verb after, either by using the nano in a loop, or find a decent plug-in.
I also can't figure out how you're micing a cab, but also using the NOV in the LINEOUT. Mic is plugged into the 122, so where is any other signal being picked up. I'm kinda confused.
What could be killing your signal, is a doubling up of signal, causing a phase cancellation. That would make the signal dead and weak.
Explain better how things are hooked up, as it may be connected wrong.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Nov 06, 2008 08:20 pm If you're micing the amp and running into problems with the mic'd signal being too weark, then I'd guess that your problem is in your microphone's signal chain, not your amp's.
Maybe I'm totally misunderstanding your setup, but I'm similarly confused about it like PJK is.
Wanna give a second try to explaining your setup?
Nov 06, 2008 09:42 pm The line out on the VC508 is set-up (by the manufacturer) to enable use of effects processing. Using a Y cable that splits the ring to one arm of the Y and the tip to the other arm of the Y. So the amp sends a signal out the line out ring line and recieves the processed signal back in the tip line. Its all documented in the manual that came with the amp and it does work.
Not using the procesing when recording, and adding reverb with the PC would be fine, but it doesn't solve my problem playing live into a PA.
I use the Nanoverb because the VC508 doesn't have reverb, which you really need for decent sounding Blues harp.
I have discovered that my input signal to the nanoverb was weak (knob on the Nanoverb controls this). I boosted this and it helped but I still have to have SIGNAL dial on the US-122L set at 90% to get a decent recording level.
Nov 06, 2008 09:53 pm The reason everyone was confused by your set-up, was a terminology problem.
The term "Y" indicates that you are using a mono cable and spiting the signal into two ends. The signal is equal on both sides of the split.
What you are doing is called "Inserting".
You are inserting the Nanoverb in to your amp.
that said, I'm glad you were able to figure out your dilemma. =)
Nov 10, 2008 06:32 pm I figured it out. The volume on the amp was set way too low. I'm in a little 10x10 room and about all I could stand on the volume was 2. I have an isolation booth I use to practice in downstairs in my workshop. I ran the cables down there and set the amp on 5 and I've got all kinds of input signal now! I use the monitor out on the US-122L to hear the amp and I can control the volume just the way I want. It's perfect.
I've always had difficulty dialing in the settings on this amp because its hard for me to get a good feel for the sound coming from the amp because I hear my own playing also(harmonica). Now I can record it and hear what everyone else is hearing and dial in just the sound I want. I'm writing all the settings in a little notebook, so once I find "my sound" I won't forget how to set it up playing live.
