MOTM

>  >What I would like is to send a +4 'pro' line level audio signal into
>>the MOTM system using an xlr cable and then send it back out of the
>>motm system into the +4 device.
>>It could be used to send recorded signals from Protools into the motm
>>system/format for processing and back out to be recorded into the
>>Protools mix. You could also use it to send synth audio into rack
>>mount effects devices and back again.

>I don't have any problems doing that with MOTM the way it is now.
>
>At 10Vp-p it's already at professional "line level".  To put it another
>way, it's too hot to be "-10".  Ideally, you want a signal going into a
>24-bit AD converter to meter at around -6dB (remember digital meters run
>backwards).

What is the theory behind the -6dB recommendation? I assumed that you 
would want each individual recording to peak as close as possible to 
0dB without clipping.


>That is quite close to the output level of MOTM, and many AD
>converters and all mixers have adjustable gain at their inputs.  While the
>maximum output of pro gear is greater than 13dBu, that's easily adjusted,
>and many of the modules have input attenuators.

My Protools interfaces do not have adjustable gain, neither do a lot 
of effects boxes that are set to various different reference levels, 
guiatr/-10line/+4line/etc..


>Of course, MOTM is not balanced, nor should it be.  If you need balanced
>you could easily build your own matchbox, buy one from Aphex, or use a
>small mixer such as a Mackie 1202 right next to your modular.

I would like a module instead of using an external box/mixer/etc.

I would like to be able to plug in signal direct from various 
sources, such as balanced +4 from Protools/instruments like guitar, 
bass, keyboards/mics/etc.

It would be nice have a module that has these sort of inputs with 
attenuation and a meter to see how close to the motm 10Vp-p the 
incoming signal is, and have high quality circuits/components to keep 
the audio path as clean as possible.


Out of interest, how do the audio levels of the different motm 
'compatible' modulars such as oakley/blacet/jh/etc. compare to the 
10vp-p of motm?


>  >Maybe it would be better to use a high quality DI (like the Avalon U5
>>DIs I already have) to get the signal back into Protools, but I would
>>like an easy way to convert the xlr line level output from Protools
>  >to the motm level/format.

>Imho, you won't gain anything from the Avalon with possible exception of
>"desirable artifacts".  Many of the MOTM modules use OP275's as output
>amps, which you will often find on the best solid-state equipment, and are
>quite capable of driving low input impedances.

I use the Avalon DIs to get the signal as hot as possible without 
clipping going into the Protools interfaces, since the interfaces 
have no gain adjustment.

The Avalon U5 DIs are solid state, and designed for as pure a signal 
as possible, without artifacts (I think).


Thanks,
Simon
Canberra
AUSTRALIA