Using The Meter - Alesis Studio 12R Reference Manual

Using the meter

The meter of the Studio 12R is a fast peak type that reads in decibels,
normally displaying the level of the [MAIN OUT] jacks. When the
meter reads "0", the main outputs are at the nominal level: the
phono jacks at -10 dBV (.316 volts) and the 1/4" jacks at +4 dBu (1.24
volts) balanced, or -2 dBu unbalanced.
Use this reference level to calibrate your system. The input controls
of analog recorders should be set so that "0" on the mixer's meters
equals "0 VU" on the recorder's meters. Digital recorders use a
different reference; for example, an ADAT connected to the Studio
12R's outputs will read "-15 dB" at nominal output, if you connect
to the proper input jacks (balanced to balanced, or unbalanced to
unbalanced).
The meter follows the [MSTR/TAPE] switch, but not the
PHONES/MONITOR level control. Whatever you hear in the
headphone output, the master output (up position) or the 2-track
tape input (down position) is what the meter is reading.
Output distortion
The Studio 12R has plenty of headroom, but eventually every
electronic device reaches its limit. At +18 dB over nominal level,
the top LED of the meter labeled PK will light; at this point there is 6
dB of headroom before the master electronics will clip. Final
clipping is reached at 24 dB over nominal "0" on the meter; this
represents a level of +28 dBu at the MAIN OUT jacks if balanced,
+22 dBu if unbalanced, and +14 dBV at the MAIN OUT -10 dBV
phono jacks. Even if no channel PEAK LEDs are on, with extreme
settings of the faders it may be possible to overdrive the output to
this level.
As long as the meter of the Studio 12R is below its top LED, and the
PEAK LEDs of all channels are off, the mixer should not be causing
distortion. If you hear distortion, check other devices in the signal
chain for overload, and make sure the STEREO channels' PEAK
LEDs do not come on when their TRIM is set to 12 o'clock.
Studio 12R Reference Manual
Operating Instructions
34