Used motu 8pre doesn't seem to have enough gain?

[mrgnlit]

Hello I recently purchased a used 8 pre firewire interface and something I'm noticing is it doesn't seem to be able to provide enough gain? The cable I'm using is fine and I'm using a line audio CM4 which shouldn't require a super high amount of gain but I find myself turning the knob to 75% or more just to get peaks at -18.

I am recording cello in a small room about 3 ft away and I feel like this is too much. Am I crazy or if something wrong with the unit?

[mikehalloran]

First, reset the unit to its factory default settings:

8Pre: Disconnect unit from computer. Hold in the Volume knob in for 5 seconds. You should first see the clock light blink, then the first LED for Analog input 1 or 2, then you will see a "D?". Turn the Volume knob to the right until the LED display reads "OK". Unit is reset.

The 8pre has only 40dB Input gain. Make sure that the -20dB Pad switch is in the Up position (disengaged). Otherwise, here's the manual.

https://cdn-data.motu.com/manuals/firew ... de_Mac.pdf

Are you using external of bus power? Many FW ports do not supply adequate bus power and devices work better powered externally.

All this assumes that an old 8pre is in tip-top condition.

I'm using a line audio CM4

I have no idea if that's a good match. The 8pre does supply 48V phantom power required by this mic. When it says 12–48V, 48V recommended, assume that they mean it,

http://www.lineaudio.se/CM4.html

[EMRR]

CM4’s are relatively low output, this sounds as I’d expect.

[mikehalloran]

CM4’s are relatively low output, this sounds as I’d expect.

Does anyone have recommendations for a “straight wire only louder” mic pre? I use CloudLifters on my ribbons and SM7 etc. but I’ve decided it’s time I did something for a few of my low output condensers on remote jobs.

For years, I’ve used the direct outs on a Mackie 1402 or 1604 and they work well but that’s more desk space and weight than I like.

[EMRR]

CM4’s are relatively low output, this sounds as I’d expect.

Does anyone have recommendations for a “straight wire only louder” mic pre? I use CloudLifters on my ribbons and SM7 etc. but I’ve decided it’s time I did something for a few of my low output condensers on remote jobs.

For years, I’ve used the direct outs on a Mackie 1402 or 1604 and they work well but that’s more desk space and weight than I like.

Someone has a similar inline booster that passes phantom, maybe Triton? Plenty of multi-channel pre's with more gain in that same range per channel as buying Cloudlifters/etc. I tend to like something with the 'free' gain of step-up input transformers, but that gets more expensive. Something like the 8 channel Yamaha MLA8 that's older/used is good bang for buck when they show up. Lots of similar things out there.

[mikehalloran]

CM4’s are relatively low output, this sounds as I’d expect.

Does anyone have recommendations for a “straight wire only louder” mic pre? I use CloudLifters on my ribbons and SM7 etc. but I’ve decided it’s time I did something for a few of my low output condensers on remote jobs.

For years, I’ve used the direct outs on a Mackie 1402 or 1604 and they work well but that’s more desk space and weight than I like.

Someone has a similar inline booster that passes phantom, maybe Triton? Plenty of multi-channel pre's with more gain in that same range per channel as buying Cloudlifters/etc. I tend to like something with the 'free' gain of step-up input transformers, but that gets more expensive. Something like the 8 channel Yamaha MLA8 that's older/used is good bang for buck when they show up. Lots of similar things out there.

All great options.

I had no idea that phantom powered boosters existed for powered mics. I’m definitely going to try one of these Tritons and if it works out, get three more. Thanks for the heads up!
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detai ... one-preamp

Should also work for the OP.

[mikehalloran]

Update: I found a used Triton Audio FetHead Broadcast at a good price and it's on the way.

To the OP: I recommend trying one out since it works in-line with the 8pre's mic preamps and passes phantom power to get a claimed +23dB gain and headroom. Neat trick if it sounds great and less clutter for my remote and desktop rigs.

Unlike many other interfaces, the MOTU 8pre does not have separate Line Inputs desirable for working with most outboard preamps. Although you can normally cascade mic pres into other mic pres, I've rarely obtained satisfactory results.

There are inexpensive ($229–$799) 8 channel preamps that will connect to an 8pre via ADAT optical.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search ... mic+preamp

All of my interfaces have Line Ins (from 2–12, depending) so I can go there if I want but I am very much into light weight and less clutter. It will be interesting to see if this Triton booster does what I need—if not, there are plenty of other options.

[mikehalloran]

Triton makes another phantom powered inline booster for condenser mics, the FetHead Phantom. Right now, $70 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/TRITON-FetHead- ... VTUFLLSD1W

Comparing the two, the FetHead Broadcast has a 23bB boost vs 18db for the FetHead Phantom. The Phantom can work with interfaces supplying 24–48V while the Broadcast requires 48V. The Phantom has a wider frequency response as well.

I have one of each coming. Assuming they perform as advertised, I’ll likely keep both and buy more but which ones, I don’t know. Here is TritonAudio’s site:

https://www.tritonaudio.com/products

[James Steele]

I have one of each coming. Assuming they perform as advertised, I’ll likely keep both and buy more but which ones, I don’t know. Here is TritonAudio’s site:

https://www.tritonaudio.com/products

One of the things I have to say I LOVE about getting stuff though Amazon is how easy it is to return stuff if it doesn't end up doing what you need it to. Saved me all sorts of headaches when I was working out what I needed with my Mac Studio when I first got it. The guy at the UPS Store got to know me pretty well. That was my preferred method of return. Print the return QR code from Amazon then just take the item to nearest UPS store, hand it to the person, they scan the code, done.

[mikehalloran]

I have one of each coming. Assuming they perform as advertised, I’ll likely keep both and buy more but which ones, I don’t know. Here is TritonAudio’s site:

https://www.tritonaudio.com/products

One of the things I have to say I LOVE about getting stuff though Amazon is how easy it is to return stuff if it doesn't end up doing what you need it to. Saved me all sorts of headaches when I was working out what I needed with my Mac Studio when I first got it. The guy at the UPS Store got to know me pretty well. That was my preferred method of return. Print the return QR code from Amazon then just take the item to nearest UPS store, hand it to the person, they scan the code, done.

Brother James, you are preaching to the choir (or, in my case, the Choir Director).