help using MixPre and DVX100a

[blazingoat]

I'm trying to figure out how to setup my SD MixPre to work the DVX100A. When I've used this mixer with a PD150 before, I had to use Pads. Do I need to use them with the DVX?

Should I set the DVX input to mic and use a pad between the mixer and the cam, or set the cam input to line and not use the pad... Both seem to sound fine.

Also should I use -50 or -60 in the menu?

I'm sooo confused.. I Really don't understand audio that well. I thought that there are two different types of line level signals -10 and +4... and that the mixpre puts out a +4 (profesional line level) and that the DVX has a -10 (consumer line level) Is this correct?!?

Does the DVX line level accept the professional line level wheras the PD150 doesnt?

THANKS!

 

[TeleDan]

Re: help using MixPre and DVX100a

I should start by saying I don't own nor have I used a MixPre. I currently use a PSC DV Promix 3 with my DVX with great results. Since no one else has replied to your questions, I'll give 'em a shot.

You want to use the line setting on your DVX. This bypasses the mic preamps in the DVX in favor of the preamps in your Mixpre. The DVX pres are pretty good but I'm sure the Mixpre's are better. This also means you don't need to worry about the mic level settings in the DVX.

You are right about the convention for pro and consumer line levels but DVX line input is spec'd at the odd level of 0 dBu. According to Jay Rose in DV magazine, he was able to push the DVX to +14 dBu without significant distortion. The Mixpre manual says tone is +4 dBu but the outputs can peak at +22 dBu. So there's some overlap but it appears that the Mixpre is capable of overdriving the DVX. My guess is that whether or not you need a pad depends on how much headroom you need. This is where someone who's actually used the combo can better answer the question than I.

I hope that gets you started.

-Dan