DAT-heads Digest #670, Volume #7 Mon, 21 Nov 05 21:50:01 EST Contents: preamps and recorders ("David Whitmer") Fwd: Sony DTC-60ES (Dat Head) ISO Denecke Dcode PS2 or similar 2CH 48v supply box ("Jake Lewis") ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "David Whitmer" Subject: preamps and recorders Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 15:25:50 -0500 hey everyone, thanks for all the responses I got to my previous post regarding mixers and DAT recorders. I’ve since fine-tuned the problem a bit and I’d like to run it by you if I may … I’d appreciate it if you could tell me if it makes sense or not. I connected a Sound Devices 302 to the Tascam DA-P1 DAT recorder via the XLR inputs and outputs on both machines and I set the analog input on the DA-P1 to ‘Line.’ If I understand the DA-P1 recorder, this analog input switch is actually the recorder’s gain switch, and it has three settings: 1. ‘mic’ which it amplifies the signal quite a bit; 2. ‘pad20db’ which amplifies the signal somewhat less; and 3. ‘line’ which amplifies the signal not at all. as my preamp outputs a good strong line level signal I am assume I use the ‘line’ setting on the DA-P1. I then make some musical noise and set the gain and fader controls on the preamp to where they only occasionally hit the 0 db headroom mark on the meter. I assume this is a good level. HOWEVER - the recording levels on the DA-P1 (with input/attenuator set to 10) only shows levels around -12 to -8 (roughly). Thus the problem - I can’t output any more from the preamp without clipping but at the same time the recorder is not getting a strong enough signal when its gain is set at line level. Which is weird - why is the signal too weak? one possible explanation lies in something I read in a discussion group regarding the DA-P1: that when using the XLR inputs on the DA-P1 the very first thing that happens to the signal is that it hits an attenuating pad and then it goes to the preamps. My assumption, therefore, is that those preamps are not bringing the signal up as strong as it should. Therefore: I want to bypass the attenuator pad and the preamps (which in truth I want to do regardless of this level problem). To do this (I have also read) I need to use the RCA line ins on the DA-P1. But - I cannot do this yet, because I don’t have the proper line-out connector cable for the SD302 - I require a TA3M connector. So, in the meanwhile, I thought it might be possible to use another gain setting on the DA-P1. I made two attempts: 1. using the pad 20 db - attenuated down to 3. this results in good levels on the meter but a slightly distorted signal. 2. using mic - attenduated all the way down to 1. results in a good level on the meter but high distortion. I guess I have two questions - 1. why this distortion, and 2. is my logic correct - will using the RCA inputs truly bring the levels up on the recorder to where they should be? by the way, if I still have anyone’s attention let me ask - I also want to run this SD302 preamp into an mBox … anything I should look out for? thank you, David ------------------------------ From: Dat Head Subject: Fwd: Sony DTC-60ES Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 16:29:59 -0500 Stephen Stroud writes... > > Hello, I just purchased a Sony DTC-60ES for about $400 canadian and > its brand new in the box still, I was just wondering if some of you > could give me your input on this machine, I wanted a standalone unit for > transfering my masters to CD instead of putting more hours on my D8, I > know this unit has SCMS but I already have a M-Audio CO3 to take care of > that i had the 59ES and it was a decent unit, but did have to go to the shop about once a year for a tune-up (hopefully 60ES is a bit better) the other nice thing i wish my 59ES had (but doesn't), that the 60ES does is a built in sony Super Bit Mapper (SBM) module (which ran about $400 all by themselves for the portable size) so you could use it for analog to digital xfers (and you can use the nice sony feature that you can just hit Record with no tape in it and pass the signal thru digitally to elsewhere - so if the heads or transport go you could still use the SBM1, or you could SBM1 right into the computer) ------------------------------ From: "Jake Lewis" Subject: ISO Denecke Dcode PS2 or similar 2CH 48v supply box Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 20:33:25 -0500 Howdy howdy everybody out there in DAT land. I'm looking for a compact, battery powered (9v preferrred), 2 channel, 48v, XLR I/O phantom box like the Denecke Dcode PS-2. If anyone knows of any similar products in terms of size, functionality, and quality, please drop me a line, as I like to be as informed of a shopper as possible. I've seen new PS-2s online for $150 as well as used ones significantly lower than that. However, I'd just as soon "spend my money in the lot," or "keep it in the family," if you prefer, and get one from DAT-heads instead. Any offers or info? Thanks again, friends. -Jake jklewis@wesleyan.edu 781-820-1243 ------------------------------ ** FOR YOUR REFERENCE ** To unsubscribe from this digest, please send email to dat-heads-unsubscribe@datheads.phish.net If your email address has changed, you may (optionally) send the message to dat-heads-unsubscribe-oldaddress=olddomain@datheads.phish.net and the old address will be removed. Problems or questions about a subscription should be addressed via these avenues and then if needed to dat-heads-owner@datheads.phish.net or postmaster@datheads.phish.net never the list itself You can submit a message for inclusion in the next digest via this address: Internet: dat-heads@datheads.phish.net Archives of DAT-Heads digests and related files are available on the DAT-Heads home page: http://www.solorb.com/dat-heads/ End of DAT-Heads Digest ******************************