Echo Darla Input Requirements?

[JLK]

I recently aquired an Echo Darla 24, and everything is installed fine with the latest Win2K drivers, 6.08. Using Vegas 4 for audio and video, and Cool Edit Pro 2, all are configured correctly. Output is great, best I ever heard from a PC. I'm used to recording FM and vinyl into a Revolution 7.1 and Santa Cruz on my other systems using tape-outs from a Dennon receiver with good results. Input levels are more than high enough from the tape outs from the Dennon, and pre-outs from an old Technics amp. Just bought the Technics amp with pre-outs, hoping that the signal from the pre-outs would do the job, but no. On the Darla, I set the input mode at -10db as recommended in their driver manual for "consumer" level gear. The problem is I can't get any higher than about -12db in with tape outs from the Dennon, and no more than about -6db from the Technics amp using it's pre-out jacks and volume at max. The +4db "pro" setting in the Darla driver gives lower levels, as expected. I've tried both WMD and Pure Wave settings in the Echo console, with Pure Wave giving slightly better results. I also connected my old CD player into Darla, and the input levels were fine, in the red. I think this rules out damaged input circuits on the board.

My question is, before I buy any more audio gear, can anyone recommend a good tuner/preamp combo, or pre-amp only that will drive the Darla at acceptable levels? I'm considering a used NAD tuner/pre-amp with 6 discreet inputs so I can do 5.1 with Vegas in the future. Would an amp with variable line outs work? I'd really appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

JLK

[Easto]

I'm sure you've probably already check it but... open the Darla's software mixer and make sure you set both the input and output to the same settings i.e. -10db. I can't remember exactly what the reason was but I had the same problem you're describing and It seemed that once I set these as above things cleared up.

I can't say for sure that this is what you're experiencing or that this will clear it up but I would give it a look.

[JLK]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, all settings for input and output are at -10db. I also just learned that standard line-level signal is ~200millivolts. When I connect my old Sony CD player to the Darla inputs, I'm a little in the red, so the CD player must be providing proper line-level signal, and probably rules out prior damage to the input circuitry on the Darla. I just bought the Darla used on Ebay for $58. So I guess my next question is, does anyone know of a good hi-fi preamp with variable line level output? This would give me the precise Darla input control I need, while keeping all Darla sliders at max, which is what the manual recommends. I'd like to avoid buying a mixer to attenuate the signal if possible. Thanks again.

JLK

[JLK]

Correction to my previous post on line level voltage. It's 1 Volt rms. Again, any suggestions on a good quality pre-amp?

JLK