Microphone, No Sound - Am I doing something wrong?

[JDofSD]

Just got the L2t and I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong.  All the videos I've see show that you simply plug a microphone into the front panel (input 1 or 2) and away you go.  I've tried two different mic's and I don't get any sound out of the speakers.  Do I need to go through a phantom power setup or something, or do I have a bad rig?  The mic's are brand new too and work with my PreSonus.

 

 

[SiWatts69]

Without wishing to make what appear to be dumb suggestions:

 

The main gain knob on the back panel of the L2t needs to be set to (typically) the 12 o'clock position (there's a notch)

Then, bring the volume of the mic up using the "Gain" knob on the side panel control.

Check that the stereo link switch is set to DUAL MONO, else only the right hand gain knob will do anything.

To my knowledge, no phantom power is available on any of the inputs, so you should use a dynamic microphone. Condenser mics will not work without either an outboard pre-amp capable of supplying the P48 phantom power OR a standalone phantom power supply.

[JDofSD]

Thanks for the information, and no they weren't dumb suggestions.  The answer is the condenser mics.  Both my vocal and my instrument mics are condenser to I'll try it with them connect through my Presonus.

 

I am concerned about the overall gain of this thing though.  You would think 800 watts would BLAST at 1 or 2 on the volume, but I guess it's not the same as a guitar amp?  I can't set my old 100 watt amp past 3 or 4 in the house before it's "too loud".

 

Anyway, thanks again.

[SiWatts69]

I am concerned about the overall gain of this thing though.  You would think 800 watts would BLAST at 1 or 2 on the volume, but I guess it's not the same as a guitar amp?  I can't set my old 100 watt amp past 3 or 4 in the house before it's "too loud".

 

Anyway, thanks again.

The gain sweep on the side panel of your L2 is designed to accept both line and mic level signals. As such the apparent range of sweep for a mic appears (at first) to be quite high up, typically just beyond the 12 o-clock position on the side panel gain control. This is normal.

Check that the pad switch is set correctly (0 for microphones, -20 for line level inputs like guitar/k/b etc)

[JDofSD]

The gain sweep on the side panel of your L2 is designed to accept both line and mic level signals. As such the apparent range of sweep for a mic appears (at first) to be quite high up, typically just beyond the 12 o-clock position on the side panel gain control. This is normal.

Check that the pad switch is set correctly (0 for microphones, -20 for line level inputs like guitar/k/b etc)

 

Thanks.  I guess what I meant was the overall power of this gear; not the mic volume specifically.  Even when I plug my HD500X/guitar in, the volume is extremely low compared to a traditional guitar amplifier.  I've been out of the business for a while now so I'm not as up on my gear as I used to be, but 800 watts vs. 100 watts leads one to believe the 800 watt amp. would be much louder.  Are the speakers set so they need to be driven harder than a guitar amp, and that's why the volume won't be as loud until or unless I either pre-amp it, or turn it up past the half-way mark?

[SiWatts69]

There's nothing wrong with the power of the gear... it'll go mental loud! BUT, to give good control over the volume, the sweep is much more gradual.

 

Don't try to compare how your guitar amp volume control works compared with how the L2 works. The L2 has to be a lot more versatile, and as such its gain controls work differently. I promise you, you'll still be able to generate plenty of volume, just likely in a more controlled manner.

[JDofSD]

There's nothing wrong with the power of the gear... it'll go mental loud! BUT, to give good control over the volume, the sweep is much more gradual.

 

Don't try to compare how your guitar amp volume control works compared with how the L2 works. The L2 has to be a lot more versatile, and as such its gain controls work differently. I promise you, you'll still be able to generate plenty of volume, just likely in a more controlled manner.

 

Thanks, I'll do some experimenting with it this weekend. "Controlled manner" is a good thing.  With the guitar amp it's too low, then it's too loud with no in between.  I'm going to like this much more I'm sure.