#409

TRS max input is +16dBu and “Line In” (M4 Only it says) is +18dBu, both with gain set to minimum. +16dBu is +/- 6.9V peak. +18dBu is ~ +/- 8.4V peak. So if you can restrict your output to no higher than that, it should handle it just fine (e.g. +/- 5V peak will be tolerated no problem, but +/- 10 won’t).

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#410

Empirically - I’d say the M4 can definitely handle hot inputs. Also, when it clips, it doesn’t give you any harsh artifacts. On top of the meters pegging, a nice red square will light up next to the meter, indicating clipping.

#411

I’m looking for a mixer/interface hybrid for live use. The Soundcraft Notepad looks pretty much perfect, but…phantom power cannot be turned off on the four XLR channels. That means I cannot use those channels with modular inputs, right? I’m not super familiar with how phantom power works, but I can’t imagine all euro modules will be cool with 48v coming at them.

#412

From what I see Notepad serie mixers have combo xlr/jack inputs, only the XLR should provide 48V so you’ll be safe using the 1/4 trs inputs.

#413

Oh interesting. I was just assuming phantom would’ve been over 1/4 TRS as well on those jacks.

#414

I used to have a Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (with a patchbay) + es3/es6 combo for all my inputs/outputs needs. Works great. Then i started selling stuff so i “downgraded” to a RME babyface PRO (which is more of an upgrade actually) + es3/es6. I think this is a solution for what you are looking for.

BEWARE: There is significant DC offset when using the es3 to receive audio in your computer. You can fix with with a plug in like Ableton Utility but i think it should have been part of the design of the es6/es3.

#415

Yep, to be more precise phantom power is only delivered on XLR connectors as the 3 pins are physically separated and can’t be shorted, if it was delivered on 1/4 jack it would ‘short-circuit’ while inserting the plug.

Those combo jacks are useful to save some space, they are often used in mobile recording equipment too (Zoom, Sound Device Mixpre series etc.).

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#416

It’s no surprise you saw a DC offset on your es3. The es3 and es6 are DC coupled so you can get CV signals in and out of your PC.

#417

Got another mixer question that hopefully someone can help with. Still looking hard at the Soundcraft Notepad 12. I have one concern though before I pull the trigger…

Here’s my use case: I want to run four modular channels into the mixer and create my stereo image. I then want to bus this mix (so main L+R) into my computer for processing in Max and then route that output back into the mixer for output to monitors from the balanced out. In sum, I want to monitor 5 channels, 4 dry and 1 Max affected. However, given that I can’t prevent the USB channel from going into the main mix that’s pulled back into the computer…I’m assuming this will result in a feedback loop? It seems like an odd design choice to not allow you to prevent the USB output from connecting to it’s input…

One caveat is that my Max processing will be all delay lines and wet only. In that case, would it still result in a feedback loop given the temporal dislocation? I could just take channels 1-4 into Max but then I won’t be pulling in any panning info, and I really want that in my Max processing.

#418

I would consider a straight ahead USB interface for your use-case. I believe you will encounter fewer problems since you plan on processing in Max. The computer will add latency which the mixer will not compensate for. You may be better off with. uSB interface and a DAW and monitoring from the DAW which can compensate for channel latency.

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#419

That’s what I’ve been using. I just really want outboard panning control and to not rely so heavily on a DAW alongside Max.

#420

I use a USB interface to send Live tracks to my effects pedals, which then go into my mixer -> USB interface -> Live. Depending on the routing capabilities of your USB interface you should be able to avoid any feedback loops (I’m using a Motu Ultralite mk4 and there’s nothing it can’t do :slight_smile:

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#421

i need to update my studio console mixer. leaning towards a 1402-VLZ. it has all the features i need + the price is right. is there anything else out there i should consider aroudn this price point? basically just need to line in 3x ciat lonbarde instruments in stereo with norns in an aux send.

#422

Coming from a lifelong Mackie user, frankly the Allen-Heath Zed series is what I’d get if I were to be in the same market today.

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#423

interesting- how come? so i guess the zed14 i should consider alongside the 1402?

#424

Loads better sound quality, better physical design than the current Chinese Mackies, great preamps, a very musical EQ, aux 1/2 can be combined to a stereo aux, etc. In short, for the price difference you get more than just a step up the mixer chain, you leapfrog the Soundcrafts and Mackies entirely on both sound quality and useful features, while staying in the same general price bracket.

In your case, with 3 stereos, the Zed-12 is almost perfect. It has 3 specific stereo channels, and you get the FX for free (use them if you like 'em - they’re actually pretty decent for onboard effects! or just ignore them entirely). The 14 is also great, with the extra stereo channel in place of the FX, so compare with whichever is cheaper. As a bonus, there’s a 2-channel I/O USB audio interface built in to both of them, too.

You lose nothing, you gain a LOT, totally worth the price.

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#425

I really love my Midas DM-12 - I replaced my Mackie with it 3 years ago and it was like lifting a veil. I considered the A&Hs, which I’ve used plenty and love, but the Midas was slightly smaller and cheaper.

#426

Thank you for this- I’ve been looking at the 1202/1402 as an upgrade for my Tapco/Mackie Mix 100, hadn’t really considered the Zed due to not needing the FX or USB. The Zed 14 does look nice!

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#427

also eyeing the 14 now. wish it was a bit smaller footprint wise, seems huge! i’d probably grab the 12 but i don’t think i really need the fx and it seems to be close to $100 more at the shops i’m looking at

#428

found an already well priced mint ZED-14 on reverb and they accepted my offer :slight_smile:

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