Volume level vs. Input level question

[71MartinD28]

Okay, I may wrong here or maybe this is normal.

In reading the manual for the MBR, I thought the Volume level and Input levels are two seperate volumes.  No? 

Here's what I experiencing on mine, so somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

If I play a MP3 song and jam along with my guitar, I set the volume level to say, 80, and set the Input level to 80.  Once I start playing along, the Input level is too loud and drowns out the Volume level.  So to me, common sense says, "Raise the Volume level", right?  When I do, the Input level ALSO goes up which defeats the purpose.  So in turn, one would think to lower the Input level.  But when I do, it takes fiddling with my Input level volume on the MBR and the volume level of my guitar to get the right setting and tone.  Drives me nuts!

Any suggestions?  Am I missing something here?

[guitarron]

the vol controls the "master" section of the mbr as a whole

it takes fiddling with my Input level volume on the MBR and the volume level of my guitar to get the right setting and tone. 

you can edit the preset you're using then save it as a user preset.
there is a master setting for preamp models for example. the spkr cabs have mic levels as well-compressors ect.
once you get dialed in you can save it

[71MartinD28]

I'll give that a shot.

Thanks!

[stevet]

I'd like to know where I can find a block level descripton of signal flow through the Micro BR.

It does not seem to have a lot of head room before it distorts.  This makes it tough for proper gain staging thoughout its level controls.

Well, I imagine only having a 3V rail supply it would be somewhat limited of driving higher signal head room.  It would of been nice, but it might make the Mirco BR a bit larger, if the Micro BR ran on 4 AA batteries which would offer 6V.

When using headphones (even low impedance 50 ohm), I usually have to crank the master output level to 125 from it's default 100 to get a fair level to drive the head phones.

The Line 6 POD XT has a LOT more clean signal and high output volume capability. 

BTW, for those who do not know, the "Sensitivity" setting on the Micro BR is an equivalent of an input trim on a mixing board.  It's the first gain stage adjustment in the Micro BR.

Turn the input level all the way down located on the side and adjust the input sensitivity so the "clip" icon does not flash. Next, bring up the side input level so that only the top bar on the signal bar display flashes only on the loudest peak.

This brings up even a better feature to help us manage proper gain staging. We need the ability to monitor which stage is clipping.
Pre input level, verses post input level. Even assignable post on the Effect guitar amp models would be helpful.

If Boss could make the "clip" LED assignable to various stages, we could maintain the cleanest, and hottest signal (imoroved signal-to-noise ratio) thoughout all gain stages.

It's hard to just judge an overall bar level display and really determine which stage is clipping.

[64Guitars]

I'd like to know where I can find a block level descripton of signal flow through the Micro BR.

The only diagrams I've seen of BR internal connections are in the BR-1600 manual. Download it and take a look at pages 281 to 287. Although it describes the BR-1600, the other BRs are probably pretty much the same.

Basically, the input sensitivity control is used to attenuate the input signal, if necessary, so that it doesn't overdrive the insert effects. The peak indicator ("OVER" on Micro BR) comes between the input sensitivity control and the insert effects. Its sole purpose is to warn you when the input signal is too high so that you can reduce it with the input sensitivity control. The insert effects have their own gain controls and other parameters that affect the signal level before it reaches the input level control. The input level control determines the track's recording level as displayed on the level meter screen. If you've set the input sensitivity correctly so that the OVER indicator doesn't appear when you're playing loudly, and your recordings are distorted, then you've most likely got the input level control set too high. Try backing it off a little the next time you record.

You should also take care not to overdrive the playback. A perfectly distortion-free recording can sound distorted on playback if you crank up all the track levels, EQ, and the master level.

If you find the headphone output level is too low for proper monitoring, consider using an external amplifier to power the headphones. This could be as simple as plugging the Micro BR's Line Out into the Aux In of your stereo sound system, or an external mixer, and plugging your headphones into the sound system or mixer's headphone jack instead of the Micro BR's. Or, you could get a headphone amplifier. These often have multiple headphone jacks with individual level controls so that several people can monitor the recording simultaneously.

[stevet]

Thanks 64guitars.

It still would be nice if they offered a way of assigning the "over" led to different gain stages thoughout the MBR's signal path.

This way you really could maximize the signal without clipping.  As you know looking at a 6 bar levels display makes it tough to really nail where the peaks are occuring within the signal chain. 

Well, at least they have it at the front of the signal path.  I guess I'm spoiled with my large mixers that have assignable metering points.

Having said that, this is one heck of a small recorder that offers quite the features.  I've been using it as a field recorder and recording a stereo mix right off the console during a live show we're doing at a theatre in Scottsdale Arizona. amazing...  It can record a 4 hour stereo track.

I also use it to practice our arrangements.
I like this so much, I may just buy another to have in the event something happens to the first one.

If Boss comes out with another improved version, I'm buying it!

[Facemask93]

Okay, I may wrong here or maybe this is normal.

In reading the manual for the MBR, I thought the Volume level and Input levels are two seperate volumes.  No? 

Here's what I experiencing on mine, so somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

If I play a MP3 song and jam along with my guitar, I set the volume level to say, 80, and set the Input level to 80.  Once I start playing along, the Input level is too loud and drowns out the Volume level.  So to me, common sense says, "Raise the Volume level", right?  When I do, the Input level ALSO goes up which defeats the purpose.  So in turn, one would think to lower the Input level.  But when I do, it takes fiddling with my Input level volume on the MBR and the volume level of my guitar to get the right setting and tone.  Drives me nuts!

Any suggestions?  Am I missing something here?