input level too low on SD 302

[Kelley Tuck]

Where is the output from your SD 302 eventually winding up? Is it possible to boost your recording level at that end? If you are using the mixer to go straight into speakers, or if you are recording into a computer, you should have some control there. As long as you can get a good, even mix from the SD, you should be able to boost the level at the recording or output end.

If you are having trouble with signal-to-noise ratio upon boosting, I would say you probably have a faulty piece of equipment that might need fixing. I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about the 302, so unless everyone else is crazy, you might just have received a bum piece of gear, and in that case, I hope it’s still under warranty, and that they will send you a new one. Hope some of this helps…

KDT

[Mark Barroso]

I’m recording to video cameras of all stripes. It’s the input levels that are frustrating me – everything is working fine but I’m just two clicks away on the fader from maximum output. I feel like I don’t have a lot of control.

This isn’t an issue with the 442 because there’s a master gain pot.

FCP 6.0.5 /
OS 10.4.11 /
Mac Pro 2×2.66 Ghz Dual Core/ 2G RAM
External: FW800 G-tech 500 HD and G-Tech Quad 750GB
playback deck: Pan dv2500

[David C jones]

Hi Mark,

I’ve had the same issue with my 442 and MKH 60; the course gain was all the way up and the fader was between noon and 4 o’clock (I ride my levels high, keeping the -14dB LED’s lighting). I brought this up with Sound Devices, but I can’t remember what they told me, sorry. I think it’s more an issue with the mics, or the fact that I’m keeping my levels hotter then we all used to. My lectro’s tend not to be an issue(I run mic level in).

Best,

Dave J

[Mark Barroso]

Well, is this an issue for Sennheiser? Thoughts, remedies, anyone?

FCP 6.0.5 /
OS 10.4.11 /
Mac Pro 2×2.66 Ghz Dual Core/ 2G RAM
External: FW800 G-tech 500 HD and G-Tech Quad 750GB
playback deck: Pan dv2500

[David C jones]

I realized I had the wrong “coarse” on my last post…lol.

In terms of it being a Sennheiser mic issue, it could be. On the Sound Devices website there’s a question & answer about having to have a high gain setting with the MKH 418S stereo shotgun mic.

With my issue, it may have been an issue with my not having fresh batteries in my mixer; the mic might not have been getting enough juice from the mixer, but I don’t know.

It may also depend on what your levels are set at. Back in the day, mixers set levels to peak lower than they do now. Now, everyone seems to be advocating higher levels when recording to get a better signal-to-noise.

[Brian Reynolds]

Is the pad switched on the microphone switched in?
Infact what are the switch settings on the mic set on?

The difference between Knowledge and Wisdom is… Knowledge is the knowing of facts…. Wisdom is the sensible application of good quality knowledge…

[Mark Barroso]

Thanks for your interest in my issue.

The presence filter (top switch) is off
The low cut filter is on.
The -10 db attenuation is off.

FCP 6.0.5 /
OS 10.4.11 /
Mac Pro 2×2.66 Ghz Dual Core/ 2G RAM
External: FW800 G-tech 500 HD and G-Tech Quad 750GB
playback deck: Pan dv2500

[Andrew Commiskey]

The phantom power setting gives you a choice between 12 and 48 volts, could it be set to 12? I know my 416 will not even crank up on 12.

Chaos is the beginning of everything.

[Mark Barroso]

BOOM! That’s it. Thanks, Andrew. I knew this but forgot to check it.

FCP 6.0.5 /
OS 10.4.11 /
Mac Pro 2×2.66 Ghz Dual Core/ 2G RAM
External: FW800 G-tech 500 HD and G-Tech Quad 750GB
playback deck: Pan dv2500