ghost inputs distorting, even with full attenuation on inputs?

[sadworld]

i'm splitting the signal out of my outboard pre's and sending one directly to the converters and the other one to my soundcraft ghost for monitoring. when the level is set just right for the converters, it is distorting the inputs on my board, even with full attenuation set on the board. how do i avoid this? thanks.

[pounce]

are you going into the line in's on the ghost's channels? that should work fine.

[sadworld]

yes, i am. can't figure out why it's clipping the channel.

[sadworld]

"What do you consider to be 'level set just right' for the converters? In real numbers dbFS. Are you blasting the input to the A/D?"

hot as possible without clipping my converters.... looks good on my tracks within the program too, the fatter the better, just no clipping....

"Another, although far less likely, cause could be an impedance mismatch due to splitting the signal. I don't know how you are actually going about doing that. Could you provide further clarity upon this? And, just to be extra clear, is the problem that you are maxing out the headroom in the channel; or is it there is still headroom (judging from the metering) yet the sound is distorted?"

i'm just using a standard y cable to split the signal. the channel is clipping on the red light indicator and audibly, i did not solo the channel to check the meters.


"Are you using the Ghost for mixing duties in addition to the monitoring chores that it is currently performing? "

yes, i am monitoring previously recorded tracks (and so are the guys recording) in my mix b path, along with monitoring the live signal that is clipping.

what's ovu?

thanks, matt.

[sadworld]

i guess i've always just thought a fatter signal (visually, looking at them in my program) was best. i'd feel funny now, working with skinny little signals within my tracks. hmmm, ok, well thanks. matt.

[genericperson]

there are evil spirits trapped in your board. they saw the word "ghost" and they thought that was where they should be. a simple exorcism should take care of it.

[zakco]

I work in a very similar way (a ghost and outboard pres).

I have absolutely no problem with input headroom on the ghost. I use the tape returns for all monitoring duties. Have you tried it this way?

Also, there is a buton called "rev" (reverse) at the top of each channel that routes the tape return signal to the regular channel path. (as opposed to mix B). This way you can access all EQ and AUX functionality without using the line amps. I recomend using your console this way.

But of course...YMMV.

-Z-

[sadworld]

i monitor my previously recorded tracks through the tape returns, but not the track being recorded. your saying monitor the live signal that is being recorded through the tape return? i'll try it. thanks. matt.

[Jules]

Here's a tip...

Do you have any outboard (like a compressor) that will display "0" VU ?

Or 'optimum input level"

If so

1) patch the output of the desk into that FIRST - to set the level - great
2) not changing, anything take off the compressor and plug the output direct to your converters.

If the level is FAR TOO LOW - then you need to calibrate your converters so that they show a 'healthy' level for this signal.

If the level is FAR TOO HIGH then you need to calibrate your converters input DOWN to show a healthy level.

This trick uses analog gear to make you conform your digital set up to it and not the other way around.

[zakco]

Originally posted by sadworld
your saying monitor the live signal that is being recorded through the tape return?

Yes.

Your signal has already passed through a outboard mic pre, why send it through a mediocre line amp too.....?
Just remember to use the "rev" switch to route the tape returns to the main channel path as opposed to mix B. Assuming of course, that's what yer after.

Good luck.

-Z-