UltraLive MK3 very low level in

[astralis.immaginalis]

I have bought a UltraLive MK3 firewire. The device work fine but I have a big problem: the level of the audio in (ch 3-8) is very very low.
If i go to motu by good audio level and I set in the CueMix > Input tab the trim at 0dB the meter light only -36dB; if I change the trim to +22 dB, the meter light now only -12 dB ca.
In the mixer tab the level of faders of channel and bus are at maximun.

What is the problem?
Can you help me, please?


Thank you very much,
a.

[torrentg]

Hello and welcome.

In order to help you out, please tell us what kind of devices that you have plugged into inputs 3-8.

If they are microphones, you probably have to enable the phantom power +48v. On my Traveler, there are toggle switches on the front that do this. I'm not sure about your MK3 but it is probably similar.

Check it out and in the meantime, if you need more help, please respond to my above sentence requesting info.

Good luck.

[Astralis]

I plug-in a mixer out or synth, but the result is the same: very low level.

thank you very much!
a

[Astralis]

help me please!!!

thx,
a

[stephentayler]

Can the inputs not be switched between -10 and +4 ?

from MOTU:

Analog 24-bit 192 kHz on +4/-10 bal/unbal TRS

This might make a difference

Cheers

Stephen

[Scaper7]

Could be that inputs 3-8 are simply line level inputs with no pre amps. I would expect to use external preamps to feed mic signals to these inputs.

[j_e_f]

It's definitely a problem with the MOTU thinking you're plugging in a balanced 1/4" cable, and therefore expecting a +4dB signal. But your synth (and cheap mixer) is outputting only -10dB (ie, unbalanced). I had that problem when I plugged a Casio synth in which was -10dB. Even though I was using an unbalanced cable, somehow the MOTU insisted it was balanced (and I just barely could get any level). I think those MOTU multi-purpose jacks are kind of weird. You have to use an unbalanced cable whose tip and ring fit just right. Otherwise it will mistrigger the MOTU to expect a balanced signal.

By contrast, my Roland synth outputs at pro level (+4dB) and had no problem with the MOTU line inputs (unlike the cheap Casio with its home level of -10dB).

Solution: Get a good quality, unbalanced cable you know will be machined to good tolerance (Mogami, for example).

Alternately, get a Direct Box that has a -10db input, and a +4dB output. Use that between the synth and MOTU.

[shashu]

i have the same problem, and i dont have cheap synths, juno-g, microkorg, nord lead 2x, e-mu px7 ... though id have to try using balanced cables.. its strange the -10/ +4 deal..but balanced digiflex would be just fine, i wouldn't suggest spending more than 20 bucks on balanced cables.

i'll give news once done..