Do I need to pad MixPre tape-out to XL1 at DVinfo.net

Travelreview · November 2nd, 2002, 08:27 AM

I just recieved a new SoundDevices MixPre to provide pahntom power and some basic tone/slate/limiting/and better pre-amp control. The MixPre has XLR outputs, as well as a tape out (mini-jack).

Should I use the stereo tape out mini-jack and adapt it to two RCA males and feed them into XL1s RCA inputs (Audio1)???

Do I need to but some sort of attenuator on the adapted RCA inputs to get (from what I believe is the MixPre's +4 dbv) output (Minijck) to the XL1s suggested -11dbv RCA Audio 1 input spec.????

I realize that most folks use a Beachtek, but the extra weight would be a burden for me.

Any Hints or Suggestions?????

Ron
TravelReview@HOtmail.com

Jacques Mersereau · November 2nd, 2002, 10:50 AM

It depends on whether that mini jack output is
-10dBv or +4. If -10, simply go into the menu
and set the inputs to line level (-10). A stereo mini to stereo RCA wire should work great.

If its output is +4 (which would be unusual), then you will definitely need to get some in line pads.
-30 pads should do the trick.

Travelreview · November 2nd, 2002, 04:18 PM

Merci Jacques,

Thanks for answering my post on the DVforum about XL1s audio input levels.

Sorry to bother you with more, but I am still uncertain about the possibility of a level mismatch between my Mixpre and Xl1s.

The specs on the Tape Out section of the MixPre state.....
"3.5mm TRS Stereo output(unbalanced) connector can be used to feed consumer level DAT, and CD recorders. Tip = left, Ring = right, Sleeve = ground. 2.4k ohm inpedance.

It is unclear to me whether that is +4 or -10 db.

What is your take on this??

Also can this be used to feed the "line-level" in of a Minidisc rec. that does not have a mic preamp built in (Sony MZN505)???

If I need the -30 pads, are the commonly available and in what form (are they small boxes or XLR sized barrels)???

Ron
Montreal
TravelReview@Hotmail.com

Jeff Donald · November 2nd, 2002, 04:48 PM

I use the Sound Devices http://www.sounddevices.com/index.html MM-1 straight into the XL1 line in with no problem. They sell an accessory cable to pad -30dBv or you can build your own. But the MM-1 (and I assume the MixPre) is bullet proof and it can over drive almost any component. The line level output can feed virtually any line level input without any problems. I routinely feed mixers, DAT decks, VTR's the line out of the MM-1 with no problems. Just monitor your levels.

Jeff

Jacques Mersereau · November 2nd, 2002, 04:55 PM

Ha, the mighty Jeff Donald beat me to it, but FYI, "consumer line level" refers to -10dBv, "unbalanced" signal. Pro line level is +4 and balanced so you can defeat noise and go much further without a loss in gain.

Almost all minidisc recorders and players output "consumer" -10 line level, so you should be
able to input that directly into the XL1 without issue as long as you have your gain structure and menus set correctly.

Jeff Donald · November 2nd, 2002, 05:10 PM

Thank you, but not so mighty. Some days I just bat clean-up (I'm not much of a baseball fan, having grown up in Cleveland in the '60's). I also have very strong feelings about Sound Devices products. Without a doubt, they make the very finest audio equipment I have ever used. I have used several of their products and own the MM-1. Very frankly they have saved my A$$ on several occasions.

Jeff

November 2nd, 2002, 08:27 AM	#1
Travelreview New Boot Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 21	Do I need to pad MixPre tape-out to XL1 I just recieved a new SoundDevices MixPre to provide pahntom power and some basic tone/slate/limiting/and better pre-amp control. The MixPre has XLR outputs, as well as a tape out (mini-jack). Should I use the stereo tape out mini-jack and adapt it to two RCA males and feed them into XL1s RCA inputs (Audio1)??? Do I need to but some sort of attenuator on the adapted RCA inputs to get (from what I believe is the MixPre's +4 dbv) output (Minijck) to the XL1s suggested -11dbv RCA Audio 1 input spec.???? I realize that most folks use a Beachtek, but the extra weight would be a burden for me. Any Hints or Suggestions????? Ron TravelReview@HOtmail.com

November 2nd, 2002, 10:50 AM	#2
Jacques Mersereau Trustee Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,334	It depends on whether that mini jack output is -10dBv or +4. If -10, simply go into the menu and set the inputs to line level (-10). A stereo mini to stereo RCA wire should work great. If its output is +4 (which would be unusual), then you will definitely need to get some in line pads. -30 pads should do the trick. __________________ Jacques Mersereau University of Michigan-Video Studio Manager

November 2nd, 2002, 04:18 PM	#3
Travelreview New Boot Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 21	A few more questions about XL1s audio in Merci Jacques, Thanks for answering my post on the DVforum about XL1s audio input levels. Sorry to bother you with more, but I am still uncertain about the possibility of a level mismatch between my Mixpre and Xl1s. The specs on the Tape Out section of the MixPre state..... "3.5mm TRS Stereo output(unbalanced) connector can be used to feed consumer level DAT, and CD recorders. Tip = left, Ring = right, Sleeve = ground. 2.4k ohm inpedance. It is unclear to me whether that is +4 or -10 db. What is your take on this?? Also can this be used to feed the "line-level" in of a Minidisc rec. that does not have a mic preamp built in (Sony MZN505)??? If I need the -30 pads, are the commonly available and in what form (are they small boxes or XLR sized barrels)??? Ron Montreal TravelReview@Hotmail.com

November 2nd, 2002, 04:55 PM	#5
Jacques Mersereau Trustee Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,334	Ha, the mighty Jeff Donald beat me to it, but FYI, "consumer line level" refers to -10dBv, "unbalanced" signal. Pro line level is +4 and balanced so you can defeat noise and go much further without a loss in gain. Almost all minidisc recorders and players output "consumer" -10 line level, so you should be able to input that directly into the XL1 without issue as long as you have your gain structure and menus set correctly. __________________ Jacques Mersereau University of Michigan-Video Studio Manager

November 2nd, 2002, 04:48 PM	#4
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	I use the Sound Devices http://www.sounddevices.com/index.html MM-1 straight into the XL1 line in with no problem. They sell an accessory cable to pad -30dBv or you can build your own. But the MM-1 (and I assume the MixPre) is bullet proof and it can over drive almost any component. The line level output can feed virtually any line level input without any problems. I routinely feed mixers, DAT decks, VTR's the line out of the MM-1 with no problems. Just monitor your levels. Jeff

November 2nd, 2002, 05:10 PM	#6
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Thank you, but not so mighty. Some days I just bat clean-up (I'm not much of a baseball fan, having grown up in Cleveland in the '60's). I also have very strong feelings about Sound Devices products. Without a doubt, they make the very finest audio equipment I have ever used. I have used several of their products and own the MM-1. Very frankly they have saved my A$$ on several occasions. Jeff