Ok, let me try another approach:

What dB reading would you expect on the input meter with an SM58 using an XLR cable with the trim pot at midday?

Are their any button combinations that might reduce this level?

Does the fact I'm connected to a pc running Studio One via a FireWire port factor into the input level? What about the universal control software?


Thanks

Input level for an analog source is determined by the preamp gain. I usually target about 2/3 on the input meters to get a good signal. You really only need be concerned with the s/n ratio. If you have a good signal and no noise, the volume can be raised digitally in the daw. Where is the main fader set, and where is the main gain (rear of the mixer) set? These will also affect monitoring volume.

Thanks for the response Matthew!

All faders are at unity (ie 0, as can be seen in the pic).

Raising it in the DAW isn't a solution for live mixing, anyway -44 input dB is far too low to monitor yourself during any recording. It's not like the mics are unusually low powered -the SM57s brand new as well.

Haven't touched the main gain from unboxing, and the audio from my PC using FireWire is at a good level.

What else should I check? Could it be a pad or compressor or something in the fat channel someone's inadvertantly activated, and if so is there a factory reset?

FireWire button of channel 3 is de-activated...?

Thanks Wahlerstudios but that's not a FireWire button, they're channel select buttons and they have no effect on the input metering.

However It might be because the FireWire return is routing the input through universal control on my pc before it hits the pre in the 1602, and my levels might be down in universal control...although I'd be surprised if it routed like that. I'll try.

The FireWire button is located left above the pan indicator. With this button you select the input source for each channel. For channels 1 and 2 your picture shows FireWire on, but for the microphone channel FireWire needs to be turned off. Also make sure that channel 3 is not linked with channel 4.

Read The Manual !!!

Thanks Wahlerstudios - I believe it is deactivated for 3? If the picture indicates to you that it's not please let me know. 3 isn't linked to anything else.

klypeman wrote:reading: Read The Manual !!!

Thank you for your input, glad you're here to help! I read through all of Sections 3 and 4, especially 4.2, 4.3 and 4.5 (just in case). Nothing there has helped, so what do you believe I might be missing?

On the pic it only shows channel 1 and 2 (linked) being selected (and very blurry) and the 3 channel you talk about ?
Check that you haven't the the FireWire engaged on channel 3 by pressing select and look.

Would be good to see a pic of what you talk about instead of your 1 and 2's. and a little less blurry.

Me mentioning to read the manual (done it at least 25 times or more) is what it is, a friendly advice from one fellow to another if you read what's above there is some other too.

Me for one set the gain to 10 o'clock'ish for condensers and SM57/58 at around 2 o'clock'ish to get in the ballpark. Check your FireWire and that the Link is 0 in the display. Your own mention of the UC is also a good place to look if you accidental have all the faders down in there., check if it is 44 kHz or 48 kHz too.
Last, more info about your system can help, what FireWire type/brand you use and such. and of course reading 2.1 to 3.1

benrippingale wroteHowever It might be because the FireWire return is routing the input through universal control on my pc before it hits the pre in the 1602, and my levels might be down in universal control...although I'd be surprised if it routed like that. I'll try.

If you have the FireWire selected on a channel the routing is this...

(Assuming a program running on PC that allows loopback, eg S1)

Mic -> Mic Pre (with gain control) -> A/D converter -> FireWire Output -> PC Input -> S1 ->PC Output -> FireWire Input -> Remainder of channel.

There are 2 places the gain must be set, 1) The Mic Pre, standard gain control in channel strip 2) The input/output levels in Studio One (or whatever other software you're using) which determines the level being returned back to the channel.

benrippingale wroteThanks for the response Matthew!

All faders are at unity (ie 0, as can be seen in the pic).

Raising it in the DAW isn't a solution for live mixing, anyway -44 input dB is far too low to monitor yourself during any recording. It's not like the mics are unusually low powered -the SM57s brand new as well.

Haven't touched the main gain from unboxing, and the audio from my PC using FireWire is at a good level.

What else should I check? Could it be a pad or compressor or something in the fat channel someone's inadvertantly activated, and if so is there a factory reset?

Fader won't affect input volume, the pre amp gain will. When you say -44 input db, where are you measuring that? Remember that the meters can be set for input or output. I agree that a -44db level coming in is too low, so I would raise the preamp gain. Target to hit about 2/3 up on the input meter.

Also check to make sure that there are no fat channel effects running. A limiter or over zealous compressor would certainly attenuate the signal. Turn off fat channel until you get this sorted out.

I have exactly the same problem.
I highly suspect the mixer needed a service/repair.
I've been using it for about 12 years, I'm very sure everything has been properly configured. Most frequently used channels are giving me this problem. All the other channels seems no issue.
Now I have to turn the gain to 95% almost max gain, only getting decent -10db when the mic was placed about 1 1/2 feet away from a person speaking pretty loudly.

if you open you mixer window, at the top of each track is an option to view/increase/decrease the signal via a small rotorary knob. "Input Controls" it's called. If you crank that knob all the way to +24, that helps a ton
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