Need help with setup (RNP > RNC > US-144)

[LGKMusic]

My setup is:

Rode K2 > RNP (preamp) > RNC (compressor) > Tascam US-144 (interface) > Laptop

I have ?2 questions?

1. Whats the best way to connect these? (XLR, TRS, A hybrid of both?)

2. I ordered 2 TRS cables, but I dont want to wait until they arrive to begin recording...
I do have multiple XLR cables and 2 Unbalanced 1/4 Inch cables, could I use these? (I don't need to use the RNC in the meantime)

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[pegastudio]

The RNP & RNC have unusual balanced/unbalanced i/o (but well described in the manual) that utilize TRS for bidirectional unbal signals. If you have 4 TS cables, you can try: K2->XLR->RNP->TS->RNC->TS->US-144,(edit: saw you have two: skip the comp) but you'll be better off going ...RNP->TRS->US-144, and using a dual TRS from the insert jacks on the RNP to inputs(& outputs, in this configuration, & unique to the FMR units, afaik) on the RNC. In the meantime, start off going directly into the Tascam's own pres; record at 24-bit, and don't clip- more than fine for now. This one can be a little confusing because of the combo bal/unbal 1/4" jacks, plus gain staging issues. HTH.







(izzat you, Lavender? just call me!)

[LGKMusic]

Originally Posted by pegastudio

The RNP & RNC have unusual balanced/unbalanced i/o (but well described in the manual) that utilize TRS for bidirectional unbal signals. If you have 4 TS cables, you can try: K2->XLR->RNP->TS->RNC->TS->US-144,(edit: saw you have two: skip the comp) but you'll be better off going ...RNP->TRS->US-144, and using a dual TRS from the insert jacks on the RNP to inputs(& outputs, in this configuration, & unique to the FMR units, afaik) on the RNC. In the meantime, start off going directly into the Tascam's own pres; record at 24-bit, and don't clip- more than fine for now. This one can be a little confusing because of the combo bal/unbal 1/4" jacks, plus gain staging issues. HTH.

Thanks for your reply :) ... I decided to go with the Emu 0404 instead of the US-144

So what cables do I need? A TRS thats balanced on 1 side and unbal TS on the other? A dual TRS?

K2>XLR>RNP>TRS>Emu 0404 with another TRS from RNP>RNC --- this right?

What do you mean by don't clip & gain staging issues?

[pegastudio]

Originally Posted by LGKMusic

Thanks for your reply :) ... I decided to go with the Emu 0404 instead of the US-144

Better choice. Look at the small presonus units, too.

Originally Posted by LGKMusic

So what cables do I need? A TRS thats balanced on 1 side and unbal TS on the other? A dual TRS?

2 x Dual TRS (stereo balanced 1/4"; two of 'em)

Originally Posted by LGKMusic

K2>XLR>RNP>TRS>Emu 0404 with another TRS from RNP>RNC --- this right?

You are correct.

Originally Posted by LGKMusic

What do you mean by don't clip & gain staging issues?

I figure you're using the RNC for dynamics control rather than specific color; if you record at 24 bit, without peaking over -12 to -8dB (plenty of discussion on this), you don't need the comp; IOW, you can record at lower levels and adjust/compress after recording cleanly. Instead of just going into your interface, which has just preamp gain, calibrated to the onboard AD converters, you are going thru the RNP gain (stage 1), then gain from the RNC (stage 2) and lastly into the line amp of your interface (stage 3). You can get a signal with many different level (gain) combinations of these- not all will sound good! HTH, too. Have fun learning!

[LGKMusic]

Ive been told that I shouldnt use any of the gain from the interface...

Regarding the 2 dual trs... that would be 4 connections... so 1 dual on an the in & out of the left channel, 1 dual on the in & out of the right channel... but where would they connect to the RNP? I already have 1 TRS going from the RNP to the Emu 0404 so theres only 3 slots open. and 2 of them are for the B mic input which im not even using. Also, whats the side chain in/out put on the RNC?

Maybe I shouldn just return the RNC lol, it sounds like I might not need it and Im too confused as it is.

[pegastudio]

Originally Posted by LGKMusic

Ive been told that I shouldnt use any of the gain from the interface...

Right, You shouldn't need it.

Originally Posted by LGKMusic

Regarding the 2 dual trs... that would be 4 connections... so 1 dual on an the in & out of the left channel, 1 dual on the in & out of the right channel... but where would they connect to the RNP?

I think you're talking about from the RNC, right? The other ends would go to INSERT on the RNP. This is where a diagram, or someone showing you, is invaluable. An hour of consultation from your local established studio may worth it, if you don't know anybody deeper into it than you!

Originally Posted by LGKMusic

I already have 1 TRS going from the RNP to the Emu 0404 so theres only 3 slots open. and 2 of them are for the B mic input which im not even using. Also, whats the side chain in/out put on the RNC?

One is OUTPUT, the other is INSERT: OUTPUT A & B; INSERT A & B
For sidechain, see HERE, for starters. You don't need it right now.

Originally Posted by LGKMusic

Maybe I shouldn just return the RNC lol, it sounds like I might not need it and Im too confused as it is.

See above re: 1-on-1 tutoring; readread; learnlearn; like all of us!

Good luck!

[LGKMusic]

Originally Posted by pegastudio

I think you're talking about from the RNC, right? The other ends would go to INSERT on the RNP. This is where a diagram, or someone showing you, is invaluable. An hour of consultation from your local established studio may worth it, if you don't know anybody deeper into it than you!

Theres 2 inputs and 2 outputs on the RNP. Im only using the A side so that brings it down to 1 input and 1 output. The TRS is running from the RNP output to the interface leaving only 1 input. How could 4 TRS ends (from 2 dual) all go into the RNP if there is only 1 input available (2 if you count the B side).... I know im a newb, but try to bare with me ... lol thanks :)