Very low line/phono volume

I've got another issue with the Z2. When plugging in my Stanton ST.150 the volume is really low compared to internal mixing mode. First I thought it may be an issue with channel A, but it's exactly the same low volume on channel B. The vinylplayer is able to switch between phono and line but it's the same result for all phono/line channel A/B combinations. Also other external devices like mp3players or smartphones are quieter compared to my other Stanton SA3 mixer.

Do you guys experience the same or is it maybe a flaw on my device?

 

I had a low level cue problem and fixed it with a re-run of set up wizard.

 

does the setup wizard change something on the Hardware? because it's propably a hardware issue as it's occuring without even connecting the Z2 to a computer. but I'll give it a try when I'm back home on wednesday and report the results.

 

/push

 

Are you on the newest Z2 firmware?

If the Z2 soundcard is anything like the other NI cards it will have tons of volume so will of course be much louder than something like a phone.

Does turning up the gain not give you enough of a boost?

 

I'm not aware of existing firmware updates...
and right now I can't find any firmware updates.

 

http://co.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=freeupdates#Traktor_Kontrol_Z2

Do you not get enough gain even with the knobs at 5 o'clock?

 

just found the device updater... gonna try that...
ah same link, thanks makar1
---
ok now I'm using fw42 but it didn't solve the issue...
--
well, with all knobs (gain,and all eq-knobs) the volume is better but still not as loud as software volume with all knobs on 12 o'clock.

 

(i'm not a z2 owner.)

it is to be expected that vinyl is less loud. it has to do with the physical properties of analog vinyl which limits the maximum volume you can put on it.

as long as you can get your vinyl to acceptable levels using the input gain knob, i don't understand the problem.

 

You have your gains fully clockwise for your MP3 player and it's still quieter than software at 12 o'clock?

Maybe turn up the Master Output of the Z2 and turn down the Master in Traktor to even things out.

 

yes. well I'm gonna stick with that for now... thank you
but it's a pain because I also have to change maschine's and other software's output volume
---

1. as I said with my other mixer the volume is louder
2. as I said it also happenes with other input devices like mp3 players etc.
3. the problem is not having comparable volume for any kind of input (external audio devices and software though internal mode on channels and master)

 

so? as long as you don't hit the +12 limit on the input gain knob, why is there a problem?

see my above answer.

why is that a problem? you're supposed to use the gain to make them comparable.

 

The phono levels are much lower then the usual digital output of traktor (9-12 db or something)

You want to switch back and forth quickly without messing with the gain to much.

Fix. Tune your digital outputs to the phone level. Or get a small preamp box for each turntable and boost the signal going into the mixer to the digital level.

Hope that helps.

 

lol

 

well it heavily limit's the max volume...

didn't think about a preamp, sounds like a good idea to me. any objections? ^^

 

turn it up on the amp

i would strongly advise not to do it. if the interface in the z2 is similar to the other interfaces sold by NI, it will do you no good. for instance, on both the S4 and the TA6, the input clips when setting it to LINE and going through a phono preamp with 37dB gain.

 

nvm

 

Why would it not work, you use the preamp to boost the phono level to a line level signal and run it into the line inputs on the mixer. Have done this before. Of Course you wouldn't boost directly into the phono input ( unless it was a weak phono source you were trying to bring up to regular phono signal strength )

The only question would be routing your timecode vinyl signal from the line instead of the phono input. As I'm not near my setup right now I can't check that.

 

re-read my post. it won't work because the input will clip. at least it will on other NI interfaces...

 

What would be the point of preamps if they cause Line level inputs to clip?