Hi Guys,
I posted this on the end of another thread and I'm not sure anyone saw it so I'll have another go!
I'm interfacing an Alesis HD 24 (+4db balanced) with a Tascam M3500.(-10 db unbalanced - I think?) I recently bought the console s/h and have no documention.
As suggested here I have read the Rane notes on balanced/unbalanced etc and I think I understand the concepts therein But I have a couple of questions specific to the M3500. I hope one of you guys experienced with this console may be able to help me.
Firstly - most of the ins/outs are mono 1/4' plugs - except 2 track in, mic ins and stereo outs - I think I read somewhere that these XLRs are not wired pin 2 hot. Can anyone confirm this? BTW when I connect the stereo out 1/4" jacks to my power amp via mono unbalanced leads(guitar leads) I get an earthloop big time. When I connect the XLR stereo outs to my amp with unbalanced mic leads (XLR to mono plug) - the signal is clean???
Is there a viable way to convert 24 channels of in and outs on the console to +4db. One thread mentioned an external box in regard to db's A&H - but is this available or are we talking DIY. I believe I can do the DIY if someone can direct me to a design schematic
I understand (well I think I understand!) that connecting balanced to balanced with an unbalanced lead can attenuate the signal by 6db. But is it possible to incorrectly connect balanced to unbalanced in a way that needlessly attenuates the signal? That is - so far I've used single core shielded cable with a mono plug at the console end to a TRS at the Alesis with the ring and sleeve bridged. With regard to signal level, is there a better way to do this with 2 core cable?
And finally - does it all really matter? It worries me mostly that the 0VU test tone from the console arrives at the Alesis at about -30 dbfs - That same test tone comes back to the console Tape Ins at about +5VU. I can bring it back via the console line ins and trim it - but how do I get it to the alesis hot enough (from the direct outs) with out overdriving the console? Or should there be enough headroom for this not to be a problem?
All of the usual apologies apply for dumb novice questions!!!
Thanks guys
Jeremy H
I posted this on the end of another thread and I'm not sure anyone saw it so I'll have another go!
I'm interfacing an Alesis HD 24 (+4db balanced) with a Tascam M3500.(-10 db unbalanced - I think?) I recently bought the console s/h and have no documention.
As suggested here I have read the Rane notes on balanced/unbalanced etc and I think I understand the concepts therein But I have a couple of questions specific to the M3500. I hope one of you guys experienced with this console may be able to help me.
Firstly - most of the ins/outs are mono 1/4' plugs - except 2 track in, mic ins and stereo outs - I think I read somewhere that these XLRs are not wired pin 2 hot. Can anyone confirm this? BTW when I connect the stereo out 1/4" jacks to my power amp via mono unbalanced leads(guitar leads) I get an earthloop big time. When I connect the XLR stereo outs to my amp with unbalanced mic leads (XLR to mono plug) - the signal is clean???
Is there a viable way to convert 24 channels of in and outs on the console to +4db. One thread mentioned an external box in regard to db's A&H - but is this available or are we talking DIY. I believe I can do the DIY if someone can direct me to a design schematic
I understand (well I think I understand!) that connecting balanced to balanced with an unbalanced lead can attenuate the signal by 6db. But is it possible to incorrectly connect balanced to unbalanced in a way that needlessly attenuates the signal? That is - so far I've used single core shielded cable with a mono plug at the console end to a TRS at the Alesis with the ring and sleeve bridged. With regard to signal level, is there a better way to do this with 2 core cable?
And finally - does it all really matter? It worries me mostly that the 0VU test tone from the console arrives at the Alesis at about -30 dbfs - That same test tone comes back to the console Tape Ins at about +5VU. I can bring it back via the console line ins and trim it - but how do I get it to the alesis hot enough (from the direct outs) with out overdriving the console? Or should there be enough headroom for this not to be a problem?
All of the usual apologies apply for dumb novice questions!!!
Thanks guys
Jeremy H