Connecting external preamp to M4 RESOLVED

[bayswater]

If it's a mic preamp, we'd be reasonably confident the output level is higher than mic level, and probably closer to line level regardless of the type of connection. If we mean the Neutrik style plug, I have those as the main outs on the back of things like the 828 and as inputs on the Mackie monitors. Surely it's just a matter of having the physical adaptors.

[rnappi]

Sorry so just to reiterate, if I want to connect my external preamp to the m4, bypassing the preamp, what’s the exact chain that I need? Do I need to connect it to port 3 and 4 on the back of the interface if it’s a microphone connection. What’s the build path I need?

Hello all. Long time member who's been MIA for a long time. Nice to be back.

Just a couple of things that might be of use, and please pardon if I'm overstating the obvious.

Input and output are two separate stages. You don't need a stereo connection on input for a mono signal in order to hear that signal over both L&R channels on output.

Directly from the M4 manual:

"Engage the MON (monitor) button to enable hardware (direct)
monitoring, which routes the channel’s input signal directly to
the MONITOR 1-2 outputs and pans the mono signal evenly
across both outputs. A blue box appears around the input
channel number in the LCD to indicate that hardware monitor-
ing is engage. Press and hold the MON button to engage stereo
monitoring for input pairs. In this mode, Input 1 is routed to
Output 1 and Input 2 is routed to Output 2, allowing you to
monitor in stereo while recording in stereo. Inputs 3-4 are
similarly routed to Outputs 1 and 2 (3 to 1 and 4 to 2)"

So... possibly the OP had everything correct, but was monitoring in stereo mode?

For RogueMusic, The path would be: mic(s)->external pre in(s) / pre out(s)->M4 line 3 and/or 4 inputs(this bypasses mic/line amp)/ M4 USB to your daw / M4 Monitor outs to speakers. If it's a mono signal, just make sure you're not in stereo mode.

[HCMarkus]

Good to see you mappi, and thanks for the info. Good stuff!

[rnappi]

Good to see you mappi, and thanks for the info. Good stuff!

Thank you HCMarkus. Glad to see you're still here.