Help with RNC gain staging (yet another RNC setup thread)

[TYY]

I have done much forum searching and read a lot abut setup with this unbalanced piece of equipment. My question is (I think) less about balanced/unbalanced issues, but more about levels and gain staging.

I am trying to connect the UNBALANCED output from my Peavey VMP2 into the RNC and then into my Lucid AD9624 (XLR input). I am using a standard TS-TS cable from the VMP to RNC, and a TRS-XLR to connect the RNC to the Lucid (I know this isn't ideal or perhaps even usable at all).

Here's the problem: If I set the threshold to "0db" on the RNC, I can hardly turn up the preamp before I get SERIOUS gain reduction; i.e. the output of the VMP2 seems too hot for the RNC. However I can limit the level by keeping the gain turned down low on the preamp. However, the signal coming out of the RNC is quite weak, and I need to crank up the makeup gain all the way just to get a similar level that I would get if I had connected the VMP2 directly into the AD convertor. I've read that the RNC operates at +4, but it seems as though something is way off with the levels.

I could understand something being off with the AD levels because of the TRS-XLR cable, but I can't understand why the RNC doesn't like the output of the VMP2.

Any ideas?

[max cooper]

You need to use T/S to XLR to get to your Lucid, not TRS to XLR.

Check the manual. The TRS deal is for getting in and out on one cable.

Maybe that's the prob?

[Kiwiburger]

I think this is why semi-pro gear is not usually a good idea ... I shouldn't really comment about the RNC because I don't own one - but dammit, the reason I don't own one is exactly this issue ... it's designed for interfacing with semi-pro gear, or unbalanced mixer insert points.

I would think that in 2007 most people who care enough to buy a hardware compresser would have a good preamp with balanced outputs and a converter with balanced inputs.

Maybe you need a pad or two. I find that idea repugnant.

[TYY]

Originally Posted by Kiwiburger

Maybe you need a pad or two. I find that idea repugnant.

As do I, though I'm not sure if it is necessary yet. I know lots of people use RNCs in their studios full of pro gear, so I figure I must be doing something wrong. Now, I know that the connection between RNC and convertor is using the wrong cable, but that doesn't explain why the signal is too hot from the peavey into the RNC.

I also seem to remember that when I used the RNC in the insert of my presonus MP20, that I had the same gain staging issues, even though no cable issues were present (used proper insert cables).

I'm about ready to ditch the RNC, and get something that has balanced I/O, but I don't know if I can afford anything that will sound as good/better.

[TYY]

aw come on, no one?

I know tons of you guys are using these with your rigs, help me out!

Thanks

[zimv20]

Originally Posted by TYY

I know tons of you guys are using these with your rigs, help me out!

i've used my RNC only through a patchbay, and aside from getting a little too much noise if i go above +2 gain, it works great.

i'm not certain exactly how the cables were made (redco soldered them up), but they are TS jacks on the RNC end. they must have unbalanced them. regardless, i have no problems like you described.

[hopeless_opus]

lot's of answers here:

http://www.fmraudio.com/FAQ.htm

and here:

http://www.fmraudio.com/balancedinterfacepage.htm

if you buy or make the cables as they recomend you shouldn't have any problems, or at least I haven't.