To Set The Input Levels Of A Strip - E-Mu 404 Owner's Manual

Meter Color
E Red
E
Yellow
E
Green
One of the most obvious uses of the insert meters is to set input levels. On the analog
inputs, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is one of the most critical points in the
signal path. You want the input signal level to drive the 24-bit ADCs into their optimum
range without clipping. A reading of 0dB on an input meter indicates signal clipping.
Level
70 60 50
Each bar of the meter equals 1dB. The yellow bars begin at -12dB below full scale.
The insert meters are also useful to monitor incoming digital signals such as ASIO or
S/PDIF to make sure the mixer is receiving a proper signal level. They're also great for
troubleshooting, since you can place them virtually anywhere in the mixer.
To Insert a Meter
Right-Click on an Insert location of the mixer strip. A pop-up dialog box appears.
1.
Select "Insert Peak Meter." A stereo peak meter appears in the insert location.
2.
Select FX in the Main Section, then Left-Click on the meter insert. The meters are
3.
now shown in high resolution in the TV screen.

To Set the Input Levels of a Strip

Select the topmost Insert location on a mixer strip and insert a meter (see above).
1.
Left-click on the meter insert to see the meter in the TV screen.
2.
Feed your audio signal to the input of the mixer strip. The meter should now show
3.
the signal level.
Adjust the output level of the external device (synthesizer, instrument, preamp, etc.)
4.
feeding the 0404 Card. The meter should be in the yellow region most of the time
with occasional forays into the red. If the clip indicator ever comes on, reduce the
signal level.
Comparison of -10dBV & +4dBu Signal Levels
Consumer
(unbalanced)
{ + 6 dBV
Clipping -->
Headroom
+ 2 dBV
-10 dBV
0 dBV = 1V RMS
E-MU Digital Audio System
Indicates
Indicates signal clipping.
Good strong signal level.
Signal is present.
40 30
Professional
(balanced)
+20 dBu }
=
+8 dBu
=
+4 dBu
=
-8 dBu
0dBu = .777V RMS
20 10
--12dB
<-- Clipping
Headroom
4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
21