StudioLive32SC Mic/Line inputs not accepting Mic Level Signals

[hectortorres]

Working with a new StudioLive32SC with a live group and building out a system right now, but inputs 9-16 are not accepting mic-level inputs via XLR

Inputs 9-16 are mic/line inputs
Analog Inputs are selected on all the channels
Tested with multiple sources and multiple cables, both TRS and XLR. Sources and cables confirmed working with Mic inputs 1-8

Line-level inputs come through fine; however, any mic-level input through an XLR cable does not come into the board, even at max gain


Board: StudioLive 32SC
Firmware Version: 3.4.0.11374
OS: macOS Tahoe 26.6.2
Universal Control Version: 5.1.1.113315

 

[SwitchBack]

You have to use XLR-XLR cables and they have to be fully plugged in for the input to switch from line input to mic input. Also check what it reads at the gain control: The gain ranges for mic inputs and line inputs are different, so inserting an XLR plug should switch 9-16 to the same range as shown for 1-8.

 

[hectortorres]

You have to use XLR-XLR cables and they have to be fully plugged in for the input to switch from line input to mic input. Also check what it reads at the gain control: The gain ranges for mic inputs and line inputs are different, so inserting an XLR plug should switch 9-16 to the same range as shown for 1-8.

Using all XLR-XLR for the entire setup, fully seated

Gain control reads as "Preamp" just like Ch 1-8. I have it set across the board at +10 dB

 

[SwitchBack]

+10dB gain is (too) low for most mics, so maybe check that. And the mics you're using, do they need phantom power?

 

[hectortorres]

+10dB gain is (too) low for most mics, so maybe check that. And the mics you're using, do they need phantom power?

Brought it all the way up to max and still nothing using SM58s

 

[SwitchBack]

OK, so no phantom power needed. You use those mics handheld? They are absolutely no good at distance. And unplugging the cables switches those inputs back to line gain (on the display)? If plugging that same mic into inputs 1-8 does give a good signal then we have to consider the routing options of the mixer: Maybe inputs 9-16 are not sourced from their analog preamps but from somewhere else.

 

[Gerran]

I can only ask, did you route those signals to the correct inputs?

 

[hectortorres]

I can only ask, did you route those signals to the correct inputs?

Yep, checked three times, all routed 1-16 local

Reset to factory defaults twice and reflashed firmware today too

 

[hectortorres]

OK, so no phantom power needed. You use those mics handheld? They are absolutely no good at distance. And unplugging the cables switches those inputs back to line gain (on the display)? If plugging that same mic into inputs 1-8 does give a good signal then we have to consider the routing options of the mixer: Maybe inputs 9-16 are not sourced from their analog preamps but from somewhere else.

Handheld, yes

Analog Preamps for all inputs 1-16

 

[SwitchBack]

OK, last test before considering a hardware fault: A line signal (using a TRS cable) does give a good signal on channels 9-16?

 

[SwitchBack]

Ah, you already said you tested that, so hardware failure probably.

The most common failure affecting multiple channels at once is a loose flatcable connector inside the mixer. PreSonus (or rather their assembly partner) has a bit of a history with that. So this is where the brave at hart open the mixer for a peek inside. Or take it back to where you bought it to have it tested/fixed.

 

[hectortorres]

Ah, you already said you tested that, so hardware failure probably.

The most common failure affecting multiple channels at once is a loose flatcable connector inside the mixer. PreSonus (or rather their assembly partner) has a bit of a history with that. So this is where the brave at hart open the mixer for a peek inside. Or take it back to where you bought it to have it tested/fixed.

Damn, is there any documentation for this online? We need the mixer up and running, and I'd rather do it myself sooner

 

[SwitchBack]

I've never seen a PreSonus service manual so you'll have to fly by the seat of your pants. I've opened a few of the older models but had no need to open one the newer ones (yet). But with a little care you should find your way in. I advise to use a magnifying glass to make sure you use the correct screwdrivers as more than one type of screw may be used. And then it's simply a matter of checking the seating of every connector inside. From experience I know it's very satisfying to reseat one or two loose connectors, put everything back together and see it work, fingers crossed

NB. With the older models the plastic side scales were secured with a couple of screws. After removing the screws you had to slide the scales to the back of the mixer to remove them. For the new models maybe still, maybe not...

 

[tpittman]

Damn, is there any documentation for this online? We need the mixer up and running, and I'd rather do it myself sooner

If you haven't done so already, check online to see if someone has opened one.
I did this on my M32. Seeing how to open unit and the right tools (as switchback mentioned)
is a great help. Was for me anyways