Analog out level drop?

[nightspirit]

Hi
I lately have been trying to mix in a more hybrid way than just in the box...
It works fine, but my levels comming out of cubase (say they are at -5db) and are at -5 db on my mixer ch..
now if i send that out (can be via the 4 assignable outs on the board or via tdif/adat to external unit) the level (or volume) vil drop down by -8 (I think it was) so it will hit whatever unit at - 12/13 db.
I even routed just from out to line in on desk and the same drop.

Does any body know why this is?

What i have been doing now, is to compansate by putting the input gain to about 9oclock, but i dont hit my outborad gear the way I want especially if I an going to reamp...

Thanks Dan

 

[Auzzyrocks]

Hi Dan,

I have been having the same problem as well. Assignable sends 1, 2, and 4 drop about -8dB when I send to my mix bus hardware or other outboard gear. Assignable 3 drops about -12dB but I believe it has a separate issue.

It caused a problem for me when I was trying to calibrate a hardware compressor. the calibration called for a 0dB 1Khz sine wave to be input to the compressor, and I could not get my assignable outs to put out a 0dB signal, despite a 0dB signal being sent from Logic/FW or the onboard oscillator

Where you able to find a solution to this, dan? Or can anyone chime in with a solution? Would really appreciate some help on this one.

 

[Phil Tipping]

Level drops can be caused by connecting balanced and unbalanced gear - just my 2c.

 

[Auzzyrocks]

Hi Phil,

Thanks for the input, that is an interesting suggestion.

It was my understanding that the Assignable outputs are balanced, then they are going to a balanced patch bay, and through an Avalon 747SP, which is also balanced. If

However, I have been told that the Assignable's are 'Pseudo-Balanced,' which may be contributing to the problem... I will consider this while I am troubleshooting the issue.

Any other suggestions would be welcome

Austin

 

[Phil Tipping]

If they're all definitely balanced, check there's not a break in the chain. Losing one half of a balanced signal would account for 6dB - https://www.soundonsound.com/sound-advice/low-down-analogue-interfacing

 

[Auzzyrocks]

That's a great suggestion, thanks. I will pull and test my cables / other parts of the chain when I get a chance to.

Thanks

 

[Auzzyrocks]

I haven't had a chance to check the cables yet, but I had an interesting thought. Could a grounding fault in the building wiring cause the issue?

I recently moved into a new building, and I've been getting a grounding fault error on my power bars. Is it possible that this could cause an issue with the balancing/unbalancing process?

*Update - I tried connecting to DM to a grounded outlet, but it did not fix the problem. I also bypassed all gear and used a tested TRS cable to jump directly from Assignable send 1 to Assignable return 1. The input to the channel was Zero dB, the return signal came back right around -10dB.

I can send a test-tone to the DM at Zero dB, and send back to the DAW and it comes back at Zero dB. but at the routing/insert page, I can turn on/off ASN SND 1&2 and watch the levels drop consistently by -10dB, even when there is no gear in the chain, just a TRS direct from ASN Send 1 to ASN Return 1..

I'm starting to wonder if there is a DAC or ADC that drives the Assignable's and the part could be failing.*