Weak signal from DI, Preamp needed for using DI -> IEM?

[SehlraC]

My monitoring setup is:

GenzBenz ShuttleMax 12.0 (Direct Out) -> Audio-Technica M2M -> Ultimate Ears TF-10's

The problem I'm having is I'm getting a weak signal for this channel (the level from the FOH band mix sounds fine). Do most people use a preamp between their DI signal and their IEM transmitter? Maybe it's just this particular model of IEM that struggles? Maybe the SHTLMAX DI is a weak signal?

Our guitarist is using a Shure PSM200 and mic's his cabinet, sends the mic straight to his transmitter and has no issues. I'm wondering if the Shure has on board preamps...

Anyways on the SHTLMAX, I've tried switching the output switch between mic level and line level; line level is still too weak. There's no volume adjustment for the DI either. I've also tried using the global effects loop send -> A-T M2M and the signal is a little louder, but not enough. At rehearsal last night, I was using the DI from an Eden WT-800 and still had the same issue.

When I plug the DI into a small mixer and use the mixer output into the IEM unit, it works fine. I really don't want to use that unit though as a solution, something that's a half rack or 1U rack space would be ideal.

"Why don't you plug your DI into the FOH mixer and take a direct out back to your transmitter?" Well, the mixers at our rehearsals don't have enough outputs to do this, and there's no guarantee that a given PA system at a gig would be setup to do this. I'd also rather be independent myself for getting my own signal to the IEM transmitter, so that I'd just have to figure out how to get an aux line from the FOH for the band mix each night.

 

[BassGuyFL]

On the back of the IEM unit there's a switch to adjust the input attenuation level take a look and see how that's set. If it's set at -20 or -10 raise it up and that will give you more signal.

 

[SehlraC]

Thanks for the reply - that was one of the first things I checked while I was troubleshooting. The attenuation is set at zero.

 

[mdeguzman1]

Your GB shuttlemax has 2 gain controls: High-low switch and actual gain knobs for the tube and FET channels. Optimize those to get strongest monitor signal and adjust main volume to compensate. Just an idea.

 

[Stumbo]

Try your iems with your guitar player's setup?

 

[lowfreq33]

You could go out of the effects loop output if you're not using it. That signal should be a little bit hotter.

 

[SehlraC]

Your GB shuttlemax has 2 gain controls: High-low switch and actual gain knobs for the tube and FET channels. Optimize those to get strongest monitor signal and adjust main volume to compensate. Just an idea.

Will try that again, maybe I need to spend more time on it. Last time, I wound up clipping the preamp on both channels trying to get the signal loud enough through the IEM's. Tried both the "pre EQ" and "post EQ" settings on the DI when attempting this.

Try your iems with your guitar player's setup?

Will do.

You could go out of the effects loop output if you're not using it. That signal should be a little bit hotter.

As mentioned in my 1st post, you're right about it being a little hotter, it's still not enough.

Thanks for the replys so far...

 

[mdeguzman1]

Make sure your output is line level on the DI to get hottest signal into your wireless monitor. Also your AT has several attenuation switches (-20/-10/ 0 on the back of the transmitter--see page 5 manual). Use whatever is loudest.

http://www.fullcompass.com/common/files/8939-M2 Manual.pdf

 

[walterw]

what are you guys using for earpieces?

i couldn't imagine an IEM setup that was just my own instrument; how would you hear the rest of the band?

 

[SehlraC]

Make sure your output is line level on the DI to get hottest signal into your wireless monitor. Also your AT has several attenuation switches (-20/-10/ 0 on the back of the transmitter--see page 5 manual). Use whatever is loudest.

http://www.fullcompass.com/common/files/8939-M2 Manual.pdf

As stated in the 3rd post, my attenuation switch is set at zero.

what are you guys using for earpieces?

i couldn't imagine an IEM setup that was just my own instrument; how would you hear the rest of the band?

As stated in original post...I'm UE TF-10's.

My bass DI is on channel 1 of the IEM, the band mix is on channel two of the IEM.


Maybe I'll go try a sansamp or similar bass DI that has a level control, see if I can get a hotter signal.

 

[walterw]

Ah, a band mix and a "more me" mix; that makes sense.

Maybe one of those little behringer or Mackie 2-channel mixers? You'd have plenty of gain, as well as separate EQ for each side and possibly the option of running in another line, say for an ambient mic.

I see these things for well under $100 used.

 

[steveksux]

Shure I believe has a mic level input. AT has line level only.

You need a hot signal to drive it. If the DI doesn't give you line level even as Post EQ, use the output of the preamp to drive the IEM. It drives a power amp, its guaranteed to be line level.

Randy

 

[uhdinator]

Usually iem Transmitters are designed for line level from a mixer aux send.

 

[SehlraC]

Ah, a band mix and a "more me" mix; that makes sense.

Maybe one of those little behringer or Mackie 2-channel mixers? You'd have plenty of gain, as well as separate EQ for each side and possibly the option of running in another line, say for an ambient mic.

I see these things for well under $100 used.

Lol, this is probably what I should have done. Would have been cheaper than the option I went with (see below).

Shure I believe has a mic level input. AT has line level only.

You need a hot signal to drive it. If the DI doesn't give you line level even as Post EQ, use the output of the preamp to drive the IEM. It drives a power amp, its guaranteed to be line level.

Randy

Also tried this, there was more gain but still not enough. I think there may be a problem with the head. The sound guy told me my DI signal wasn't hot enough at our show in April and ended up miking my cab.

Usually iem Transmitters are designed for line level from a mixer aux send.

Bingo. I ended up having success with a SansAmp Bass Driver that the parallel out to my rig and sent the bass DI with a ton of gain to my IEM's.

There might be