VTB1 input gain

[Scott Collins]

I think in a couple of places on this forum (once in one of my threads) Alan recommended setting the VTB1 input gain so that it ran a little high - shooting over 0dB occassionally.

Simple question: Why?

I understand that this helps use the tube blend function - but I think this is recommended even when the tube isn't used.

I'm just curious why this would make it sound better? Also - how, in particular, might running the gain too low affect the sound?

(The other day I did a vocal recording that got significantly better results than another - and I think it may be because I ran the input on the VTB1 hotter.)

[Alan Hyatt]

No particular reason Scott, just the design of the VTB1 seems to perk up a bit when pushed just a bit. At 0, it is still very good and less color(without tube) but there is no one way that is the right way. Experimentation is the key. What works best for you, is the right way....

[Nik Keefe]

It's not a comparison but more of an anecdote, but the preamps on my Soundcraft M12 don't come to life until they're over 0dB either. The EQ seems to respond more favourably to a hotter signal too, the annoyance then being that you sometimes then have to dip the output a touch so as not to annoy the AD converters (I don't often compress on the way in).

[Scott Collins]

OK - thanks for the info!