I have a AKG 3000C going to a ART Voice Channel then to a Behringer mixer output from the ALT 34 to a M Audio 24/96 PCI interface and into Sonar 8. The problem I'm having is that I have to run the input level at 10 o'clock(or the unit pegs and distorts) and the output level to +20(all the way up) and push the mixer to 9.5 on both the channel input and the ALT 34 output to get a decent signal into Sonar. The ART is not padded and neither is the mic. Anyone know how I can get more headroom? Thanks David

Try pluging the art directly into the M Audio. 

If that ain't acceptable you need to find where the mismatch in gain staging is taking place.  Your description doesn't make it clear.  What are you running the input level at 10 o'clock at? 

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I know this is a stupid question, but sometimes...

do you have phantom power on?

There are no stupid questions - just actions.  I've done that, Beagle, and stupider things.

AT


There are no stupid questions - just actions.  I've done that, Beagle, and stupider things.

I've done it too!  that's why I thought of it to ask! 

 : I'm running the input of the ART at 10 o'clock. Any higher and it pegs. If I use the pad on the ART I cannot hear the mic in Sonar at all.

 Oh, yeah. The ART has one built in and it is on. The mixer has one also and it is off. Should it be on also?

doubledave27


 Oh, yeah. The ART has one built in and it is on. The mixer has one also and it is off. Should it be on also?

is this in response to my question about phantom power?  no, the phantom power on the mixer will not work on the mic if the mic is connected to the ART pre first.  the ART needs phantom power on it, but not the mixer.
 
if your phantom power is on the ART, and this is happening, I'd suggest you do what AT says and take the mixer out of the equation first and see if you still have a problem.

It sounds like you may be running the line output from the ART into the mic preamp in the mixer.  The ART should go into a line input and all should be well.  Of course, some "inputs" are supposed to internally select the mic preamp or line.  If your mixer has a "combo" jack try another input - it may not be switching.

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