DAT-heads Digest #670

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" <davidwwhitmer@hotmail.com>
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 <dathead2@gmail.com>
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" <taperjake@hotmail.com>
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




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