Quote:
Originally posted by Mr.T
Hey guys,
Wondering about whether its worth balancing synths for recording. I've got a Triton i hook up into a da7 using top quality unbalanced leads, 1m in length. I can get my hands on an EB tech 8ch unbal to bal. fairly cheaply. Am i going to notice a difference?
If not, why do alot of you guys DI your synths? Is it for the sound of the DI (eg tube)?
Just trying to "learn the game ", and you guys got game! |
Here's what I did and you can decide if it applies to your situation.
I have an older analog mixer (Trident Series 70) and the line inputs are happiest when seeing a +4 signal. Since the line inputs are also balanced and I'm running relatively long lines around the room to get from synths to the console, I decided to solve both problems at once.
I picked up a SynthDriver II from Signal Transport (
www.sigt.com) and run short cables from the synths to the SD II. Then I run long balanced lines (40') from the SD II into the Trident. The SD II box does a few things: balances the outputs, allows you to lift the
signal ground on a per channel basis, and provides up to 15 dB of gain per channel (factory set at 10 dB of gain). Internally, they use a Burr Brown DRV134PA, INA134PA, and an MN5534 to handle these duties.
Previously, I had to have the channel inputs gains maxed out at +10 and the channel faders up to +5 to get a decent hot signal to the rest of the system. Now the input trims sit between 0 and +3 the vast majority of the time and the channel faders sit at 0. The system is dead quiet with no hum or buzz. It is an expensive, PITA to wire solution, but for my installation, it's the best answer.