Section 6.10 Networking; Audio Headroom - Panasonic AV-HLC100E Operating Instructions Manual

Live production center

Table of Contents

output. Source sliders default to their 0 dB gain setting on first launch. After adding audio sources, adjust

these sliders as required.

Hint: Most numeric controls in the interface can be reset to their defaults by pressing Shift while double-

clicking the control knob in the interface.

In digital audio systems, levels exceeding 'legal' values are 'clipped' (uniformly assigned the maximum

value). This results in audible issues that cannot be easily or fully corrected later. For this reason, it's

customary to configure normal operating level (also referred to as the 'alignment level', or sometimes

'nominal level') well below the clipping limit so that occasional excessively loud sounds (for example, loud

laughter or applause) can be accommodated without risk.

This range above between nominal level and the highest possible level is referred to as 'audio headroom'.

What is considered a suitable headroom allowance varies from one locale to another, in different industry

applications, and even in individual studios. AV-HLC100's audio calibration follows well-established

conventions, providing 20 dB of headroom above nominal level (+4 dBu at 0 dB on the VU scale).

Hint: Confusion can sometimes arise because different calibration scales are common in various audio

realms, and even for different device types and software. For example, analog mixers commonly show

levels on VU scales indexed as just described. In contrast, digital devices and editing software usually

display levels in dBFS (Decibels Full Scale), with 0 dBFS – the absolute maximum signal level that can

be recorded – at the top. AV-HLC100's VU meters have selectable calibration, allowing you to view a

traditional dB VU scale or dBFS as you please (see Section 13.9.1).

Whatever scale you choose, use the Gain controls in the audio Input Configuration to avoid over-

modulation. The Compressor/Limiter feature (also located in the Input Configuration) is another powerful

tool to help you prevent clipping – see Section 13.8.

Of course, AV-HLC100 provides extensive support for NDI sources and NDI outputs across a network.

Naturally this advanced feature requires your system to be connected to the network.

AV-HLC100 supplies two 'Gigabit' network connections on its backplane. Generally, simply connecting a

suitable cable from an Ethernet port on the unit's backplate to your local network is all that is required to

connect to a local area network (LAN). In some settings, additional steps may be required. You can

access the Windows Network and Sharing control panel to accomplish more extensive configuration

tasks. If further help connecting is required, please consult your system administrator.

Note: To receive NDI|HX sources, such as the output from NDI-enabled Panasonic cameras, the

NewTek NDI|HX driver for Windows

6.9.1 Audio Headroom