ALESIS MASTERLINK LEVELS TO HOT!!!

HAWG_TRAIN · 22nd October 2007, 08:15 PM

i just got a masterlink 9600 version 2 software, and when i play a cd analog out into my +4 console, it slams the meters, is there any way to adjust the output levels thanks

loujudson · 22nd October 2007, 08:45 PM

Can you adjust the console's input levels? Play some cal tones and set it up properly... I don't think the ML9600 has anything adjustable in analog realm.

Lou

HAWG_TRAIN · 22nd October 2007, 08:52 PM

my console is calabrated, Im going out of the masterlink analog into the tape section of my console, and its just way to hot

Snatchman · 22nd October 2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAWG_TRAIN

my console is calabrated, Im going out of the masterlink analog into the tape section of my console, and its just way to hot

Which analog outs are you using. The XLR or RCAs. And what inputs are you connected to on your console?...Reason for asking, I had a friend that did this and used cables with XLR to rca. The Masterlink was putting out +4 going into -10 input back into control-room section inputs on console. Results..Hot signal!...

Crash · 22nd October 2007, 09:27 PM

Can you here it distorting? If not, I wouldn't worry about it.

HAWG_TRAIN · 22nd October 2007, 11:27 PM

im going out xlr out of the back of the masterlink and into xlr of my console, wonder if they are +4 out of the masterlink(xlr)

ricknroll · 22nd October 2007, 11:56 PM

Remember, the XLR balanced outputs on the Masterlink put out a +4 dBu nominal output. Your average level, especially if you've used compression/limiting, can be much higher. According to the manual, the max. output is +19 dBu, so check your mixer to see what it can handle.

I actually have the same issue - my mixing board (a lowly Ghost) approaches overload when I use the balanced outs on the Masterlink. Because of my kludgy layout at the moment, I can't use the unbalanced outputs without picking up some extra hum. One solution to controlling the level is to insert something like the A-Designs ATTY between the Masterlink and your console.

Rick

Steve G · 22nd October 2007, 11:59 PM

The Masterlink is +4 out of the xlr's, I'm not sure about the rca's. The lack of level control on both the inputs and outputs was the one huge oversite that they made. You could just put an in-line xlr pad on the outputs as a quick fix.

Steve

loujudson · 23rd October 2007, 01:34 AM

Where are you guys finding the output level listed? The manual says this:
ANALOG I/O
44.1kHz/48kHz Sampling Frequencies:
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz +0dB, -0.3dB
THD+N : <0.002% @1kHz, -1dBFS
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 113dB, A-weighted

88.2kHz/96kHz Sampling Frequencies:
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz +0dB, -0.5dB
THD+N : <0.002% @1kHz, -1dBFS
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 113dB, A-weighted

which lacks a huge amount of detail... Talk about oversights!

I never use it to playback except through an external A/D so maybe you could do that. But I don't have a console except for live sound.

L

ronzie · 23rd October 2007, 01:53 AM

I don't think it's in the manual, but unity = -15dbfs. A 1k tone at 1.228vac into the unit will reflect 0vu on the console (if the console is aligned properly) and the Masterlink meters will read -15dbfs. This is for +4 only.

Ron Allaire, Skyline

HAWG_TRAIN · 23rd October 2007, 05:24 AM

i have dda dmr 12 console, well now i tried xlr out of the masterlink into a channel with 20 db pad with the mic knob turned off, and man its still pretty hot signal,,,

Snatchman · 23rd October 2007, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAWG_TRAIN

i have dda dmr 12 console, well now i tried xlr out of the masterlink into a channel with 20 db pad with the mic knob turned off, and man its still pretty hot signal,,,

Hummm...Going back into your DDA should not be a problem. DDA is a good console. Maybe there's something " technically" wrong with your Masterlink. I'm coming into my console basically the same as you are with no problems. And it's a Tascam!..

ricknroll · 23rd October 2007, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loujudson

Where are you guys finding the output level listed?

Lou,

Page 5 of the manual:

1. Analog Balanced Inputs (+4dBu nominal input, +19dBu max
2. Analog Balanced Outputs (+4dBu nominal output, +19dBu max, 75ohm impedance)
...
5. Analog Unbalanced Inputs (-10dBV nominal input, +5dBV max)
6. Analog Unbalanced Outputs (-10dBV nominal output, +5dBV max, 150ohm impedance)

Sounds like there's nothing wrong with the OP's Masterlink - he should just stick a pad between the Masterlink and his board (at least when he's using his analog board). I think the meters on my Ghost go up to +16, and at that point, you're in the red. So at least in my case, the Masterlink can produce a hotter output than my board can handle.

Rick

andygomez · 23rd October 2007, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAWG_TRAIN

i have dda dmr 12 console, well now i tried xlr out of the masterlink into a channel with 20 db pad with the mic knob turned off, and man its still pretty hot signal,,,

XLR out of Masterlink into a MIC in?

loujudson · 23rd October 2007, 08:44 PM

Thanks Rick. I just went to the specs, where it should have been!

And It seems you might try an XLR to TRS cable and go into the line in - does that work better? Of course it will be too hot for a mic in even with 20dB pad!
L

Snatchman · 23rd October 2007, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAWG_TRAIN

my console is calabrated, Im going out of the masterlink analog into the tape section of my console, and its just way to hot

Hey Hawg_Train. Are you coming into the DDAs "tape in/two-track return" XLRs in the master section? Unless the CD you are playing is mastered extremely, extremely hot, I don't see why the DDAs tape returns want handle it. Does all your CDs do this or certain ones? Because on certain CD's that have been "mastered hot", my Tascam meters are pinned also. As an earlier poster said, in that case, if it's not distorting, it may be ok. Just make sure your controlroom pot is turned down before you hit play!..

Carbon Leaf · 23rd October 2007, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snatchman

Hey Hawg_Train. Are you coming into the DDAs "tape in/two-track return" XLRs in the master section? Unless the CD you are playing is mastered extremely, extremely hot, I don't see why the DDAs tape returns want handle it. Does all your CDs do this or certain ones? Because on certain CD's that have been "mastered hot", my Tascam meters are pinned also. As an earlier poster said, in that case, if it's not distorting, it may be ok. Just make sure your controlroom pot is turned down before you hit play!..

I would agree with snatch on this one. I have no issue with my masterlink coming back (XLR out masterlink) into my neotek tape returns (punchblock). I only ever have a problem with the meters being to hot when something has been mastered to loud. Which I see more and more these days. Good Luck

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22nd October 2007, 08:15 PM	#1
HAWG_TRAIN Gear nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 103	ALESIS MASTERLINK LEVELS TO HOT!!! i just got a masterlink 9600 version 2 software, and when i play a cd analog out into my +4 console, it slams the meters, is there any way to adjust the output levels thanks

22nd October 2007, 09:27 PM	#5
Crash Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Antonio Texas Posts: 946	Can you here it distorting? If not, I wouldn't worry about it. __________________ www.miximusmaximus.com

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22nd October 2007, 08:45 PM	#2
loujudson Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 904	Can you adjust the console's input levels? Play some cal tones and set it up properly... I don't think the ML9600 has anything adjustable in analog realm. Lou

22nd October 2007, 08:52 PM	#3
HAWG_TRAIN Gear nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 103	my console is calabrated, Im going out of the masterlink analog into the tape section of my console, and its just way to hot

22nd October 2007, 11:27 PM	#6
HAWG_TRAIN Gear nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 103	im going out xlr out of the back of the masterlink and into xlr of my console, wonder if they are +4 out of the masterlink(xlr)

22nd October 2007, 11:56 PM	#7
ricknroll Gear maniac Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 193	Remember, the XLR balanced outputs on the Masterlink put out a +4 dBu nominal output. Your average level, especially if you've used compression/limiting, can be much higher. According to the manual, the max. output is +19 dBu, so check your mixer to see what it can handle. I actually have the same issue - my mixing board (a lowly Ghost) approaches overload when I use the balanced outs on the Masterlink. Because of my kludgy layout at the moment, I can't use the unbalanced outputs without picking up some extra hum. One solution to controlling the level is to insert something like the A-Designs ATTY between the Masterlink and your console. Rick

22nd October 2007, 11:59 PM	#8
Steve G Gear maniac Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: LA Posts: 219	The Masterlink is +4 out of the xlr's, I'm not sure about the rca's. The lack of level control on both the inputs and outputs was the one huge oversite that they made. You could just put an in-line xlr pad on the outputs as a quick fix. Steve

23rd October 2007, 01:34 AM	#9
loujudson Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 904	Where are you guys finding the output level listed? The manual says this: ANALOG I/O 44.1kHz/48kHz Sampling Frequencies: Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz +0dB, -0.3dB THD+N : <0.002% @1kHz, -1dBFS Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 113dB, A-weighted 88.2kHz/96kHz Sampling Frequencies: Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz +0dB, -0.5dB THD+N : <0.002% @1kHz, -1dBFS Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 113dB, A-weighted which lacks a huge amount of detail... Talk about oversights! I never use it to playback except through an external A/D so maybe you could do that. But I don't have a console except for live sound. L

23rd October 2007, 01:53 AM	#10
ronzie Gear maniac Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 211	I don't think it's in the manual, but unity = -15dbfs. A 1k tone at 1.228vac into the unit will reflect 0vu on the console (if the console is aligned properly) and the Masterlink meters will read -15dbfs. This is for +4 only. Ron Allaire, Skyline

23rd October 2007, 05:24 AM	#11
HAWG_TRAIN Gear nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 103	i have dda dmr 12 console, well now i tried xlr out of the masterlink into a channel with 20 db pad with the mic knob turned off, and man its still pretty hot signal,,,

23rd October 2007, 08:44 PM	#15
loujudson Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 904	Thanks Rick. I just went to the specs, where it should have been! And It seems you might try an XLR to TRS cable and go into the line in - does that work better? Of course it will be too hot for a mic in even with 20dB pad! L