UA-25 EX input level

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robertowaldemar
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2011/02/07 06:02:31 (permalink)

UA-25 EX input level

I'm using a stereo pair of condenser mics (DPA 4060) connected into the UA-25 EX audio interface. When I'm recording a grand piano inside with the lid closed the signal always jumps above 0 dB (I'm using Wavelab 6 for recording). I'm turning the sens-knobs to zero position but this still happens.  Hi-Z button is off.  The kind of music I'm recording doesn't benefit from using compressors/limiters. Is there any way to solve this?
#1

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    Chappel
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    Re:UA-25 EX input level 2011/02/07 18:29:53 (permalink)
    Are you using any kind of power supply with the mics?
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    robertowaldemar
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    Re:UA-25 EX input level 2011/02/08 12:01:37 (permalink)
    The mics are powered by the 48 v phantom in the Cakewalk interface. And the interface itself is obviously just powered by the USB.

    Could this be a voltage issue so that I would need a higher quality interface with better mic preamps and an option to power it from a wall socket? The mics are very sensitive and sound great besides the problems in the loud parts of recordings.
    #3
    Chappel
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    Re:UA-25 EX input level 2011/02/08 12:17:05 (permalink)
    The UA-25 EX shouldn't have any problem powering the mics. I was only concerned that you might have had an external power supply AND phantom power enabled. That would be bad. I still can't get over that you turn the input sensitivity down to 0 and still get those kinds of levels. That just doesn't sound right. Are the mics resting on a hard surface inside the piano? Because mics are MUCH more sensitive to physical vibration than they are to sound. If they are touching either wood, metal or any hard surface, I suggest putting in a piece of open cell foam rubber for them to rest on, or a towel. Anything that will minimize the transfer of mechanical vibration to the mic.
    #4
    robertowaldemar
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    Re:UA-25 EX input level 2011/02/08 13:09:50 (permalink)
    Thanks for your answers. The mics are miniature sized http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/products.aspx?c=item&category=128&item=24035 and I've tried several positioning techniques, attaching them to the frame, the lid and an external mic stand with the lid both open and closed. I always get very close and most of the time over 0 dB when playing very loud. This is really baffling me and I don't know how to proceed. If I end up changing UA-25 EX for another product I'd at least need to know what to ask for...
    #5
    Digitel
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    Re:UA-25 EX input level 2011/02/13 20:28:50 (permalink)
    Chappel


    Are you using any kind of power supply with the mics?





    That's a good question of yours, that the one i also to ask for. It would be appreciated.
    #6
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