Direct Outs signal on Console low...typical?

[swaff]

I just got a Soundcraft 800b console, and I have the direct outs going to my converters, then my converters to my 003. With the fader all the way up, my signal into Pro Tools is still really low. In the manual, it says the Line outs are +4 db, so I don't think I can switch between -10 and +4.

I work on a Chilton console a fair amount too, and the direct outs on that are really low into Pro Tools as well. We always have to patch the Chilton to a Distressor to use the output to boost the signal.

Are there any units that are made to boost signals for situations like this?

Swaff

[swaff]

bump

[Corran]

Direct Outs are prefader aren't they?

Turn up the gain and down your faders!

[Rick Sutton]

Originally Posted by Corran

Direct Outs are prefader aren't they?

Turn up the gain and down your faders!

Usually direct outs are post fader. I think the OP has something else going on as I've never seen direct outs running that low (although I have seen them 6-8 dB under master output that still isn't so low that with a little bit of fader gain you'd be fine). Even a little Mackie can push PT just fine with its direct outs. Are you sure your cabling is wired correctly?

[Corran]

I stand corrected. Somethings wrong in your setup for sure.

[swaff]

It's probably my setup as you guys suggest. I believe my direct outs are post fader, because I can make them have no volume with the faders all the way down.

Here's my setup:

Console Direct Outs > TRS/DB25 snake > Rosetta 800 > ADAT out of Rosetta > ADAT in of Digi 003

Thanks for helping me out! If you have any other suggestions after seeing my setup, let me know.

Swaff

[_Morph_]

The Direct Outs are surely post-fader.

Maybe you have a gain-staging problem or there is one configuration (somewhere in your equipment) where the signal is being pulled down to -10dBv.