KPA + Eleven Rack (as a recording interface)

Hi All!
I just got the KPA last week and I'm still figuring out all the features and options. So far so good! I've used the unit with headphones as well as thru the loop of a tube amp and the results were stellar. I'm having some issues getting the same great results for recording. Prior to getting the KPA, I used an Avid Eleven Rack. I was intending to use it as a recording interface. Based on what I've read, everything says to hook up either the SPDIF or line outputs from the KPA to your interface and you're good to go. I did that, configured all the outputs but the results are just "ok". When I monitor the mix from the Eleven Rack, things sound flat and distant. The recordings are equally unimpressive. I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong? Or should the Eleven Rack be replaced with another interface?

Thanks

I've tried both Line Inputs and SPDIF.

KPA -> 11R SPDIF
11R SPDIF -> KPA

Monitored thru the 11R Headphone jack. I haven't tried the 11R Main outputs to my monitors yet (cleaning up my basement at the moment )

I created a blank 11R patch. Everything is bypassed. Let me say, it doesn't sound like something's wrong. It doesn't sound anywhere near as good as plugging my headphones into the KPA. Also, I used the same headphones for both units. Could it be the headphone out on the 11R isn't that good and I'd get better results with the Monitor Outputs?

Quote from viabcroce

What is the HPs' and 11R's HP out's impedance?

Not sure what the Eleven Rack's headphone output impedance is. I can't find any technical info on it. But the headphones are AKG's with 55 Ohm impedance.

Quote from pratchett

Okay you monitoring throug the HP-Amp
The HP-Amp in the KPA is definetely the better one. The Amp in the Elevenrack isn´t the best compared to others.
Don´t know the impedence but with my Bayerdynamic 770 Pro the KPA sounds directer, fuller, better.
If you monitoring later through the Elevenrack an Studio Monitors there shouldn´t be much difference.

I didn't think there would be that much difference either, but there is. Let me describe what I mean by "bad". Nothing is broken or weird sounding. When I plug into the KPA directly with headphones, it sounds incredible. What you'd expect a piece of gear like this to sound like. When I run it thru the 11R (either with SPDIF or with Analog outs) it sounds just "ok". The definition and 3D sound is gone and it sounds very average.

Quote from viabcroce

I'm not sure I gor it right, it seems that you're using the HP out to connect to monitors?

If this is the case, depending on the HP out power you might experience a lack in level and dynamic, and some more noise... definitely reserve your final judgement to a good line connection
Anyway, try and turn the HP out gradually louder, if you perceive there's not much power available. This should improve things.

If you're using regular HPs instead, with such a low impedance pair of HPs you're likely to experience more non-linearities from the 11R output if its output impedance is higher than the Profiler's.

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Here's my signal chain:

Guitar -> Kemper SPDIF (or analog outs since I've tried both) -> 11R SPDIF (or analog ins since I've tried both) -> USB to my Mac for recording.
Headphones -> 11R Headphone output.

That's it. If I plug my headphones into the Kemper, it sounds great! When I monitor thru the 11R, it sounds just "ok".

Quote from Ingolf

The eleven's HP out is the culprit so it seems.
Do a recording or a reamp and listen to the sound via the KPA's HP out. Sounds different, awesome again?
Maybe, yes maybe you should also consider trying another interface.

Yeah I just connected the KPA and 11R to a 5150 fx loop return for reference. The KPA sounded great again. The 11R sounded... well like a modeler. So I'm suspecting the 11R.

Quote from viabcroce

Well, the 11R is a modeller! How its algorithms sound has nothing to do with how it sounds as an interface/pre.

Quote from Ingolf

Actually I meant monitoring the profiler through something NOT inferior in quality. I'm not saying the Eleven is bad in that regard but from your description it seems the culprit for your 'non 3D'- experience.
My advice is: try another interface.

Yeah... I agree.. It sure seems like that's the weak link here.

Quote from WyldStallyns

Dude, as a former 11r owner, do what I did: trade/sell it for an mbox2 and make a lil profit

between true z and all the shit going on with the 11r it's more trouble trying to bypass than worth it to use with kemper

I just got a Focusrite Scarlett 6i6. Hopefully this works out.
11R is going up for sale