Using The Meter - Alesis MULTIMIX 12R Reference Manual

Operating Instructions

Using the meter

The meter of the Multimix 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 Multimix
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 Multimix 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 Multimix 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.