VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

[louzucaro]

Hi,

I searched for this but either I wasn't using the right terms or I just didn't see it, so if that's the case, my apologies.

Ok, let's say you're gonna set up something like this:

Mic > Preamp > Firewire / USB Audio Interface > Computer

As far as I can tell, the majority of the Firewire / USB audio interfaces on the market don't allow you to bypass whatever the built-in preamp is on the XLR inputs.

In this case, would the best way to go be to go out of the Preamp through a 1/4" jack and then into the Audio Interface on 1/4" jack, rather than going out XLR and into the Audio Interface on XLR which, if non bypassable (new word), would I suppose double-pre your mic and add noise?

And if that's the case (Preamp > Audio Interface via 1/4") should it be a balanced connection or does it not matter so long as you're going into the Preamp from the Mic using a balanced XLR connection?

Thanks!
_________________
Lou Zucaro
http://www.voicehero.com

"Well, yeah, there's my favorite leaf!"

[brianforrester]

For example... using an mbox...

turn the input all the way down and you basically bypass the preamp and resultant coloration of the preamp in the box. I don't know it this is true on all interfaces, but it is for the mbox (unless of course somebody here proves me wrong, which will innevitably happen )

Good luck... just remember, you can spend hours upon hours working on your hardware signal chain, all the while negletting the most important aspect of the chain... YOU! Subtle changes in your hardware configuration will not be an adequate subsitute for an underpracticed instument!

All the best,

Brian
_________________
Brian Forrester Voice Overs
www.brianforrester.com
brian@brianforrester.com
778.668.5715

[Yoda117]

If the FW/USB interface has a direct input, or can otherwise accept input from a source other than the XLR, Then the answer is "kinda".

You'll bypass the preamp, but not the circuitry of the device itself. In some cases, this might add some additional coloration to the sound. Depends on the device itself (those pesky state diagrams come into play if you really want to know).
_________________
Voiceovers by Gregory Houser
Philadelphia based Voice Actor

Blog - A man, a martini, and a lot of microphones

[louzucaro]

Thanks for the replies...

I know that the equipment is just that and that the talent is what's important, but I don't have the luxury of being able to make purchasing mistakes and most of the places I've checked with won't take returns on things that have software in them. Bleh. So I just want to make sure I'm not thinking along the lines of doing something that just flat out won't work.

So again, thanks!
_________________
Lou Zucaro
http://www.voicehero.com

"Well, yeah, there's my favorite leaf!"

[richgates]

I have the Pre-Sonus BlueTube going into the Firewire 410 from M-Audio and I keep the Firewire 410 turned down all the way and it works like a champ.

[louzucaro]

Cool, again, thanks...

And this is all via XLR ins/outs on the various devices?
_________________
Lou Zucaro
http://www.voicehero.com

"Well, yeah, there's my favorite leaf!"

[richgates]

[louzucaro]

Right, but the mic cable into the Blue Tube is XLR and then the cable from the Blue Tube to the Firewire 410 is also XLR?
_________________
Lou Zucaro
http://www.voicehero.com

"Well, yeah, there's my favorite leaf!"

[richgates]

[louzucaro]

As Mr. Burns would say, "EXcellent!"

Thanks!
_________________
Lou Zucaro
http://www.voicehero.com

"Well, yeah, there's my favorite leaf!"

[Hart]

But where do you put the rich gates in your chain?

Sorry, I couldn't resist.
_________________
Hart Voice Overs Blog
Brian Hart Productions

[CWToo]

[richgates]

[Hart]

Don't forget to tip your waitresses and bartenders. I'll be here all week. Remember the 9 o'clock show is completely different from the 7.
_________________
Hart Voice Overs Blog
Brian Hart Productions

[louzucaro]