Bypass Ultralight pres and just use AD Converter

[mmtimezs]

Hi,

I have a Motu Ultralight and and a DAV BG1 pre amp.
I'm running the DAV through the TRS input 3 on the Ultralight.
I would like to use the Motu as an A/D converter and that's all. Completely bypass the motu pre-amps.

Is this possible? It seems that I am still using the motu pres.

Thanks,

[Phil O]

I'm not sure which version of the ultralight you have, but the mk3 has inputs 3 through 8 as TRS line level. You're stuck with instrument inputs on 1 and 2 as far as I can tell.

Phil

[mmtimezs]

Thanks Phil,

I have the earlier version Ultralight. Same TRS inputs from 3 to 8. Are we sure these do not use the pre-amps in the Motu?
There is still a small amount of gain running through them and I can adjust the trim of these inputs using CueMix, which leads me to think that pre-amps are in use.
Am I wrong? What I want is a dedicated A/D converter, nothing more.
The Motu 8Pre lists this as a function, but the Ultralight does not, which also leads me to think I'm getting some pre through this input.

[nick danger]

Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong, but if you don't use any of the digital "boost" options in Cuemix on the TRS inputs, any pre-amplification should come only from your analog pre-amp.

[mmtimezs]

Hi Nick,

Even with the gain on the out-board pre all the way down and no signal boost in CueMix, there is still some volume on the mic. I assume it must be from the Motu.

[nick danger]

Maybe. But it also could be that "zero" on your outboard pre-amp is still providing a bit of boost.

[Phil O]

Am I wrong? What I want is a dedicated A/D converter, nothing more.

Well, you're going to need some sort of level control going into your converters. Whether that is active or passive on the Ultralight, I don't know. I think you can be confident that mic pre-amps are not part of the circuit for inputs 3-8, though. There may be some active analog circuitry before the A/D, but that's probably the case with any A/D on the market. I would set your input controls to an appropriate level and be done with it. If you need to calibrate that, then do so. Shouldn't be a problem.

Phil