Noisy preamps in AB168?

[Mac]

Hi there,

I seem to be having a problem with noise in the microphone channels from the AB168 stagebox. Microphones directly into the Qu24 seem to be fine. For testing purposes, I have 10 identical microphones plugged into the first 10 inputs on the AB168. Gain for each channel is set to 40, no EQ, no gate or compressor. With all faders set at 0, some channels are much noisier than others, and some have a sort of crackling sound in the background.

I’m going to completely reset the mixer, and try the microphones directly into the mic inputs. Then I’ll switch back to the AB168, and see if there is a difference.

Has anyone had this experience?

Best,

Mac

[Giga]

I’m using a 2412 so there’s that. I can’t say I ever noticed that but I also never paid attention to it tbh.
Also, I can’t remember ever using 40dB of gain in live use.

To be absolutely sure you’d have to mix around the 10 cables and mics (and even how the cables are draped to a point) too.

Have you tried a different CAT cable ? Grounding on the stagebox ok ?

Giga

[Mac]

Thank you Giga, that is very helpful information. I’ve already been swapping mics and cables, but I’ll continue that process. Most of my recordings are dry voice, but perhaps I do have too much gain dialed in. I’ll take a look at the gain structure of the system.

I’m an old analog guy, so I’m sure there are things that I’m not understanding here yet.

Thanks again!

Best,

Mac

[Author]

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