Pre-amp Level ?

Tim Walker · Post by **Tim Walker** » 2 Feb 2010 5:40 pm

Hi,

I have an Alembic F-2b that I'm running into an Apogee Duet interface.It sounds great but the recording level I'm getting is low unless I have the gain cranked which gives more overdrive that I don't want.

Is there away to get more level from the pre by using another device - DI ?

I'm going from the Pre to the Duet with a 1/4" to XLR so that I can bypass the Duet's Pre and use the -10db setting. I guess I could use the Duets pre amp as a kind of master volume but I'd rather bypass that if possible.

Thanks,
Tim

James Quackenbush · Post by **James Quackenbush** » 4 Feb 2010 1:21 pm

Tim,

http://www.alembic.com/prod/f2b.html

Here's a link that might explain that pre a little better ....It looks like you have to use your tone controls to add more gain to the signal ....Check this link as it will help you understand the pre a little better ....It should have enough gain to push using the tone controls ...Hope this helps ...Jim

Tim Walker · Post by **Tim Walker** » 5 Feb 2010 8:01 pm

Thanks James !

James Quackenbush · Post by **James Quackenbush** » 6 Feb 2010 4:20 am

Tim,
Let me know how you make out ....Take notice of what input you are using too !!....One is hotter than the other ....Jim

Tim Walker · Post by **Tim Walker** » 9 Feb 2010 9:27 pm

Hi James,
Still no more signal I'm afraid. Would a DI box boost the level ?
I had the same situation with my Revelation I'm guessing it's because these pre's were designed for live use with a power amp rather than as a front end for direct recording?
Thanks,
Tim

James Quackenbush · Post by **James Quackenbush** » 10 Feb 2010 6:05 am

Tim,
Contact Radial Engineering ....They should be able to help you ....Basically the problem you have is that your Alembic pre is putting out "Line" level and your Duet is taking in "Instrument" level ....You have to find something that will convert line level to instrment level ....What you need to ask Radial is if there is any of the D.I. boxes that they make that will work in reverse ..... Also , look into Radials "Reamp" box and see if there is something that you can do with that ....You have a "Mic" level , and "Instrument" level on the Duet , but not "Line" level ......Jim

James Quackenbush · Post by **James Quackenbush** » 10 Feb 2010 6:06 am

Sorry .....Here's the link ....

http://www.radialeng.com/re-contacts.htm

Tim Walker · Post by **Tim Walker** » 10 Feb 2010 2:56 pm

Hi James,

The Duet has 2 line level (-4db +10db) settings and the instrument level - with both settings I'm getting a very low level. I can use the Duet pre as a kind of master volume and get a good recording level but I'd really like to bypass it.

Thanks alot,

Tim

James Quackenbush · Post by **James Quackenbush** » 10 Feb 2010 3:33 pm

You're gonna have to use SOME of the gain from the Duet ....Not all of it , but some .....Have you tried boosting your tone controls ? ....They are VERY important on the gain structure of the Alembic ... Hook your Alembic up to a power amp and hook up speakers ....Plug into it ....Turn your volume up with the tone controls both down .....You will then see what I'm talking about ...With the tone controls turned up , you don't need as much volume .....They increase the gain for you ....Jim

PS ...You may already know what I am talking about , but I throw it out there anyway ....I have found that a lot of times when I am trying to figure something out , that I in most cases overlook the obvious !!.....

...I'm good at that !!...Jim