Matching levels of the main pair

[claying]

Merry Christmas!

This seems to be a very basic question...
How do you make sure the main pair are matched in level on the preamp?

Matched pair of mics + stepped-gain preamp of the same level = done?

The big names of classical pres - Millennia, Grace, DAV, Forssell, Hardy M-2, Crookwood - all have stepped gain on their preamps, but how well are they matched among channels within a machine? As far as I know, only Millennia mentioned in its spec that channels are stereo matched to 0.08db.

How if it is a continuous-gain pre. Just match the gain of the main channels with a test tone?

[Rolo 46]

Null them.

[rumleymusic]

Listen and watch the meters. Ambient noise is usually an easy indicator for similar levels. Easier to do with omnis it seems. With cardioids you need to make sure no one is on stage making noise off center.

[Plush]

It's called "Engineering." Set the balance by ear.

[fifthcircle]

I have lots of pres that do not have stepped gains. A number do, but plenty do not. As Plush said, use your ears. If it sounds balanced between mics, then it probably is. Don't worry about what the knobs look like- listen.

Most pres that have stepped controls are pretty darned accurate, but still use your ears. You never know what can happen on a stage.

--Ben

[richgilb]

Originally Posted by claying

Merry Christmas!

This seems to be a very basic question...
How do you make sure the main pair are matched in level on the preamp?

Matched pair of mics + stepped-gain preamp of the same level = done?

The big names of classical pres - Millennia, Grace, DAV, Forssell, Hardy M-2, Crookwood - all have stepped gain on their preamps, but how well are they matched among channels within a machine? As far as I know, only Millennia mentioned in its spec that channels are stereo matched to 0.08db.

How if it is a continuous-gain pre. Just match the gain of the main channels with a test tone?

0.008db accuracy on the Focusrite Liquid 4pre. I had to email them to find out, as I needed confirmation for a Soundfield mic that the gain would be accurate within 0.1db. Otherwise the software won't work properly, apparently.