HELP Please - Avalon Preamp Issues

Hi
Recently for the studio we got several professional preamps. Until now I used ART Tube MP and and some other cheap preamps and got used to their gain settings, which I thought that are more or less “normal”.
I could get the input gain around middle (from 11 o’clock to 2 or even 3) and the output gain similar (from 9 o’clock up to 3). Those settings would not produce clipping and depending on my soundcard I would have some headroom (3 to 7 db).

Tried the Avalon VT-737S and here my preamp concepts crumbled.
Regardless of the input gain, the output should be under 9 o’clock and if I ant to crank the input to get more of the tube sound, then the output should be almost closed (on the board is written -40 db, as position is like 6:15-6:30 o’clock).

Is there something I’m missing ? Is that a normal feature of the more professional preamps ?

There is a similar issue with a Focusrite preamp. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Hi Mihai,

I can’t offer too much information because I’ve never used the Avalon, but the Great River (solid state – no tubes) I’m using now doesn’t exhibit similar behavior. It depends on the mic, but normally my input will be at about 3:00 and output level at about noon. This can vary depending on the amount of “color” I want in the channel. The other pre I’m mainly using is the RNP , and there’s only a single gain knob which is normally at 1:00 – 3:00. The RNP is solid state also.

I used a Digitech VTP -1 (tube) at one point long ago, and I remember that the output knob was generally pretty low, but I don’t know whether this is normal for all high end tube pres. Also my memory may be fuzzy . Also, calling the VTP -1 a “high end” pre is a bit of a stretch.

Not sure what the Focusrite is that you’re using. I have an ISA One and that has a switch that controls how hot the pots are – I would need to have it on for an SM7 but then pull it back for my AKG vocal mic.

Since the Avalon also has an EQ and compressor component, is it possible that one of those is affecting the levels? Can you bypass these and run a test? Also you could try a gear forum like gearslutz to see if other Avalon owners are experiencing the same thing.

Sorry I couldn’t really help on this one

—Joel

Hey, Mihai, it could depend on impedance of the mic and preamp input, so check these.

jhunger said
Hi Mihai,

Since the Avalon also has an EQ and compressor component, is it possible that one of those is affecting the levels? Can you bypass these and run a test? Sorry I couldn’t really help on this one

—Joel

Hi
All EQ, compressor were off. You helped actually, gearslutz is a good idea

soundroll said
Hey, Mihai, it could depend on impedance of the mic and preamp input, so check these.

Thanks for the tip. I will check.
The gear is in a friend’a studio, which sometimes we use both (lucky me).