Help Needed: Connecting Pre-Amp and Compressor to Model 12

[tommyzai]

Hi!! I have a little ART Tube MP Pre-Amp and a FRN Really Nice Compressor. I was hoping to connect a mic (or instrument) into the Pre-Amp, then the Compressor, and finally onto a track on the Model 12.

I'm recording kids with wild dynamics (even after my lessons on mic recording techniques), so there will be volume spikes. I'd like to limit the signal with the compressor to prevent digital distortion.

I realize I could use an insert as opposed to running in series, but would this prevent clipping or simply compress after possible spiking?

Side note . . . which cables? Obviously, I'll use XLR for mic and TS/1/4 inch for instruments into pre-amp, but then? TRS? TS?

Note: I posted something similar a couple of months ago, then gave up. I'm feeling confident this time and appreciate your help and guidance.

 

[Morgelec]

For my vocals I'm running 500 series preamp into a compressor, then out to Model 12, Sometimes I run into a EQ, then compressor and out. I run my output from compressor using XLR to 1/4 trs into the Model 12 insert, but I only plug it in until the first click, which bypasses the Model 12 preamp and hits the A/D converter. So yes, I'm running in series. Have you tried anything yet?

 

[tommyzai]

I do not have XLR output on my compressor. I can insert, but I'm not sure if using insert can ignore processing in Model 12 before returning from insert. If so, great. If not, it will not help as the signal will overload, then be compressed. I have not tried anything for fear of damaging . . . posted here first for guidance. I respect your workaround set-up, but I would not feel comfortable plugging in half way . . . I'd never feel secure.

 

[Morgelec]

I don't why you have any fear of damaging something. I might be able to check on it later, but take a look at the Model 12 block diagram to understand how things are being processed/routed. You control the gain on your equipment, it's designed to work with outboard, just start off setting gain at a low level. I'm confused as to why you think the signal will overload. If you have the cables hook it up and try it out, you're not going to damage anything. Check out the videos on YouTube about the Model 12, like this one

 

[tommyzai]

If I record at too hot of a level I will get digital distortion. I want to limit the level to avoid clipping. I'm not sure if using my compressor (limiter) as an insert will protect a track from clipping.

 

[Morgelec]

Your RNC can be used to limit, but I'm not familiar with that unit, But really the limiter is going to only go to where you set the threshhold. You don't want to record too hot of a signal, do you know much about gain staging? Try it out and experiment with your compressor, if you clip the signal back off the gain.

 

[tommyzai]

I know how to record and gain stage. My issue is that the RNC does not have XLR out. So I need to figure out what's the best way to connect.

 

[shredd]

I need to figure out what's the best way to connect

I’ve heard that properly-built/wired XLR-to-1/4” TRS (balanced) cables exist for such connections.

But I’ve also heard that there are politicians who embody integrity, honesty, and interest in anything besides getting their sorry buttz re-elected so they don’t have to get a real job and earn a living.

So…YMMV. But consider checking out “google”…even after you weed out all the A.I.-generated garbage, there’s a truckload of valuable information for your edification.