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Hi folks. This is a followup to my "line level" post, below.I'm wondering how much headroom to expect, relative to the specified level. If, for example, you have a -10dBV (consumer line-level) device, and that translates into .316V rms (right?), then, what should you expect the device's maximum output to be?
Now the obvious, related question: if you've got a device with a -10dV INPUT, how much headroom should it have, at a minimum? I'm guessing that it should NOT be expected to start clipping at an input of .316 V...correct? I've read figures like 20-25 dB headroom, with top-quality devices having as much as 30. Am I on the right page here? Is it right to conclude, then, that a properly designed unit should not clip until at least 20dB above that .316 V rms level? Am I thinking about this right?
Focusing on the inputs: How much headroom do we have a right to expect? At what voltage level, at a minimum, should a consumer-level (-10 dBV)-input device clip? In case it matters, I'm referring to a DAC/digital interface, in this case the M-Audio Firewire 410.
Follow Ups:
I just did what I should have done long ago (but I had to make a run for batteries before I could employ my multimeter...): I measured the input voltage at the level where the "clipping" light on the M-Audio unit started to come on. Via the "-10 dBV" inputs, the unit is clipping at around 0.28V rms. There's no way to pad these inputs, or adjust input gain. So that means basically zero headroom (or worse), right? That would mean my unit is defective, wouldn't it?
If you want or need to pad down the output of a device, you can buy a little metal box, and a few connectors and resistors. With basically a drill, a soldering iron, and a pliers, you can pad down the output and provide a better match. Here are a couple of sites to look at:www.uneeda-audio.com/pads/
www.ethanwiner.com/gadgets.html
HTH,Thanks, I'll do that, but right now I'm just trying to figure out whether this thing is working the way it should.
Sounds wrong to me. I can't see how it can be right this is not any level at all. So if you can find a mate with a dat recorder or minidisc with line level out and this clips "audibly" on a -10 input
We have a problem. Is the clip light in the program or on the front of the box. Is whats on the box a clip light or a signal present light.
Is there a level setup page in the program if so can you access it. Is there a Manufacturer based Forum for this product and what are they saying. If not try harmony central record forum there is bound to be sombody knows about this.
Regards Mark
Mark,The clip light on the unit is on...and it IS clip light, not a level light. And on this unit these inputs are NOT adjustable, via hardware or software. Any consumer line-level device I've hooked it up to--two phono stages and a CD player--causes it to clip on medium to loud passages. The guy at the dealer I bought it from (a music store called Buckdancer's Choice) has been really great about everything, and he'll take it back I bet, but I haven't managed to convince him that it's broken; he just thinks I'm doing something wrong. But when there's no adjustment (the manual says so) and line-level devices are clipping on a line-level input, there must be something wrong, it seems to me.
There's an Edirol unit for a bit more money--the FA-66--that has everything I want (Mic and instrument inputs and a stereo line-level input), and all the inputs are adjustable. I may see if the dealer will order one for me and take the M-Audio unit back.
Well I just went to the M Audio site and it has what appears to be
a line/ instrument switch and a pad switch and an iput level control on each input channel. Is the hole in the middle of the xlr socket a 1/4" jack socket is this controled by the pad Line/instrument volume and not the back pannel sockets.
or are they both not controlled. If so take it back.
Regards.•:*¨¨*:•. ¸¸.•´¯`•.Mark Harwood, Engineer Springvale Studios
The pad and input-level control affect only the front (1/4 inch or XLR mic) inputs. They have no effect on the inputs on the back panel. For those inputs, the manual makes it clear that you have to adjust the input level at the source.Thanks Mark,
...that there's no reason to think this thing is malfunctioning. Looks to me like it was designed this way.
I recon you will find the inputs on the back are an ideal level and impedance for a patent bolivian nose flute pickup designed by none other than Mr Box.
Regards.•:*¨¨*:•. ¸¸.•´¯`•.Mark Harwood, Engineer Springvale Studios
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