Pro Line LaScala's & Volume Frustration

[Tony Reed]

I'm using pro line LaScala's (left & right flank) and a pro line Heresy (center) for some local DJ/PA work. They're powered by a Crate PA8FX 8 channel box mixer/amp. I'm using Shure SM58 mics for voice & a Harman-Kardon CDR-2 for the CD's. The problem is getting the sound levels set correctly. The mics are no problem. I'm turning the gain about 1/3 rotation of the adjustment knob with the master volume set very low. The problem is with the CD level. You can't turn the adjustment knob far enough to fine-tune the volume level. It seems like it's either to low/off or it's blasting away. I guess I'm trying to say the adjustment is just too sensitive. You breathe on it and it's a drastic change one way or the other. I've got the master volume so low it's almost off. I need to be able to get the adjustment far enough into the rotation where the volume can be fine-tuned. Is there anything I can do to reduce the signal from the CD player to the amp? The Cd player itself doesn't have an adjustment for the signal that I can find. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Tony

[CaptnBob]

Check to make sure the cd player is plugged into a line level input. There should be a switch or level control somewhere on each channel. It may be called a pad, or "mic-line" or something like that. If all else fails, look into a gadget called a "direct insertion box," - "direct box" or "D.I." for short. They are expensive, but should get the job done.