Audio interface and clipping

Discussion in 'Soundgear' started by magnaproxy, Sep 4, 2016.

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  1. magnaproxy

    magnaproxy Newbie

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    Not too sure about where to post this... it is about recording with and audio interface so here it is.

    I'm currently set up with an RME Babyface Pro + RODE K2 microphone.

    The moment I turn on the dedicated phantom power, I see that the levels peak and the LED lights hit the red for a split second. Is this normal? Is it supposed to clip when I turn on the phantom power?
     
    magnaproxy, Sep 4, 2016
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    Ads Master

     
  3. dbmuzik

    dbmuzik Platinum Record

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    Best Answer
    It is pretty typical with audio interfaces. When you're going to turn on phantom power you should have your input gain on your interface turned all the way down initially. Also you can go into your sound properties on your OS and change the default record level for the audio driver to a lower value. Only do this if the input signal is extremely hot even when you only have the gain turned up just a little.
     
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2016
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    dbmuzik, Sep 4, 2016
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  4. Andrew

    Andrew AudioSEX Maestro

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    Yes this is normal.
    Phantom power supply voltage as DC offset, which A/D interprets as low frequency signal for a split second and that causes the clipping.
     
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    Andrew, Sep 4, 2016
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  5. magnaproxy

    magnaproxy Newbie

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    Thanks to all of you. I thought it was some kind of a hardware problem... phew! :disco:
     
    magnaproxy, Sep 4, 2016
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  6. subGENRE

    subGENRE Audiosexual

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    Yes, my mackie onyx does the same thing. Just turn it down before powering on the mics
     
    subGENRE, Sep 4, 2016
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  7. Geniii

    Geniii Noisemaker

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    Just make sure to turn down speakers volume not to blow them up:)
     
    Geniii, Sep 4, 2016
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  8. Baxter

    Baxter Audiosexual

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    It's normal for most preamps. Some preamps/mixers does ramping on the voltage when you turn them on. It's a pretty neat solution to prevent this popping/transient.
     
    Baxter, Sep 4, 2016
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