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View Full Version : Pre-amp level relative to power amp level?


Zamfir
08-08-2006, 05:39 PM
This is probably a stupid question, but I ask in the interest of avoiding clipping and especially Not Blowing Things Up.

Basically it boils down to how far up I should have the master volume on the Genz Benz GBE 400 relative to the XLR or Line Out level on the Sansamp RBI, if it matters. I do have a compressor/limiter in between, and I realize that if the little red lights come on for more than a blink on the GBE with related clipping noises, I'd want to look into backing off on the RBI or compressor output, but generally speaking...what do you do to be safe?

Or, do any of you like to ramp your preamp up while keeping your power amp down low (for crunch/grit/gain)?

I don't usually jack up the out levels on the RBI too high (often right in the middle around 12 o'clock), but that might change, depending on the situation, so...?

lug
08-08-2006, 06:03 PM
Overdriving the input will never "blow anything up". It's only if the output of the poweramp is overdriven into clipping where you get into trouble. The rest is just a matter of taste. I run my mains way up and adjust the pre to what I want but I'm usually not going for any "grit".

Zamfir
08-08-2006, 06:12 PM
Cool. Good to know. Me might be less ignorant now. :D :dunno:

lug
08-08-2006, 06:28 PM
Cool. Good to know. Me might be less ignorant now. :D :dunno:



<......chalks up another potential vote for the repeal of the 22nd amendment>

Zamfir
08-08-2006, 06:38 PM
<......chalks up another potential vote for the repeal of the 22nd amendment>

Ah may be ignant, but ah ain't THAT ignant... :smack: