Si Impact Level Problem

leon_lab06

Hi everyone,
I'm having an issue with my Si Impact console. I have to keep my channel levels extremely low (around -50 dB, with only one LED lighting up—maybe two at peak); otherwise, my main output level ends up way too high.

If I set a typical gain level, I have to keep my main fader at about -25 and my channel faders at -30 or even lower to achieve a normal loudness.

Is there a way to reduce the main output level or address this issue? It's really challenging to use the gate and compressor effectively with such low input levels.

Thanks in advance for your help!

TAICHEE

It is not an issue of the Si.
Si can't run too higher level than the normal line level.

It seems that you are connecting the Si's output to the mic in of the next device and that mic in can't receive such normal line level.
You should use a PAD ( attenuator ) between the Si and that next device.
Just buy it.

leon_lab06

I just want to lower the output level. Isn't that possible?

(We are using a DBX Drive-Rack Pa2 btw.)
I want to keep my overall level but want to work with higher levels in My console to use the Gates, etc. right.

TAICHEE

Si doesn't. It always makes standard line level output signal.
PAD ( attenuator ) will make the level down for some strange usage.

Drive-Rack-PA2 has line level inputs.
It matches to the Si's output level.
You should connect the Si's output to the input connectors of the driverack's rear panel.
There is a switch for -10dBV or +4dBu then you Si requires +4dBu side.

If you had used them correctly and you got such strange issue, you must mistook to set up the drive-rack.
Drive rack can make up and down the input level inside. Probably drive rack was boosting 50dB.

Drive rack also has a MIC input connector on the front panel. That is only for RTA microphone. Do not connect the mixer's output. If you have anything strange reason to use this mic input from the mixer, you must use a pad attenuator. It's not expensive. Only few dollars.

Also, that mic input has 15V phantom power and it possibly damage the output device sometimes. I am not sure Si's XLR outs will break or not (probably 15V is not a big risk yet ) but you should be careful for some device has weak parts on their output circuit when you use another mixer. This connector is only for the RTA mic.

Anyway, if you use Si and driverack normally, such odd issue never happens.
You just get the haedamp for getting up the input around 0VU ( 4dBu , -18dBFS ) then use gate and comp normally, and the CH fader and output fader were nominal ( ±0dB ), Si's output meter indicates -24 to -18dBFS around, the next device driverack will indicate normal level at their input level meter section.

leon_lab06

Thanks for helping out!