All Channel Editing; Gain / Trim Button - Mackie DC16 Owner's Manual

• GAIN Button
This button selects the mic pre gain of all channel inputs. Gain adjusts the input sensitivity of the mic
and mic/line inputs. This allows signals from the outside world to be adjusted to run through each
channel at optimal internal operating levels.
The gain levels may then be changed by rotating the encoders below the channel displays.
A visual representation may be seen on the DC16 channel displays and the input routing screens
on Master Fader.
Setting the preamp gain correctly with the gain control is an essential step in establishing good signal-
to-noise ratio and sufficient headroom for the mix because its setting determines the overall noise
performance in that channel.
The gain ranges from 0 dB to 60 dB and adjusts in ±3 dB increments.
The gain button's LED illuminates white when engaged.
Tom
Kick
5 1
GAIN
GAIN
But what about channels that do not have a mic pre? Good question! A channel's digital trim will
be displayed on channels that do not have a mic pre.
• TRIM Button (ALT + GAIN)
This button selects the digital trim of all channel inputs. Trim is a digital level control at the top of
the channel's processing. It affects all input sources to the channel whether analog or digital and
is used for adding level to a channel before any of the channel processing.
The trim levels may then be changed by rotating the encoders below the channel displays.
A visual representation may be seen on the DC16 channel displays and the input routing screens
on Master Fader.
The trim ranges from –40 dB to +20 dB and adjusts in ±1 dB to ±2.5 dB increments.
The trim button's LED illuminates white when engaged.
Tom
Kick
5 1
TRIM
GAIN
So what is the difference between gain and trim? When would you use gain and when would
you use trim? In short, gain is analog, while trim is digital (right after the A/D conversion but
before everything else). So if the source is analog, you would use gain. In most cases, you will
adjust (analog) gain, not (digital) trim. In some cases, though, you may use both. If the source
is digital, you would use trim since it doesn't have gain.
S Top S Btm
2 3
dB
27
GAIN GAIN
S Top S Btm
2 3
dB
–12.5
TRIM TRIM
41
DC16 Owner's Manual
HiHat Tom
4 5
GAIN GAIN
HiHat Tom
4 5
TRIM TRIM
Rack
6
GAIN
Rack
6
TRIM