Operating Levels - ALLEN & HEATH Xone:3D User Manual

It is most important that the system level settings are correctly set. It is well known
that many DJs push the level to maximum with meters peaking hard in the belief that
they are getting the best from the system. THIS IS NOT THE CASE ! The best
can only be achieved if the system levels are set within the normal operating range
and not allowed to peak. Peaking simply results in signal distortion, not more vol-
ume. It is the specification of the amplifier / speaker system that sets the maximum
volume that can be achieved, not the console. The human ear too can fool the op-
erator into believing that more volume is needed. Be careful as this is in fact a warn-
ing that hearing damage will result if high listening levels are maintained. Remember
that it is the QUALITY of the sound that pleases the ear, not the VOLUME.
This diagram illustrates the operating range of
the audio signal.
NORMAL OPERATING RANGE.
normal music the signal should range between
–6 and +6 on the meters with average around
0dB. This allows enough HEADROOM for
unexpected peaks before the signal hits its
maximum CLIPPING voltage and distorts.
It also achieves the best SIGNAL-TO-
NOISE-RATIO by keeping the signal well
above the residual NOISE FLOOR (system
hiss).
The DYNAMIC RANGE is the maximum
signal swing available between the residual
noise floor and clipping.
Allen & Heath

OPERATING LEVELS

An important note ...
!
The human ear is a remarkable organ with the ability to com-
press or 'shut down' when sound levels become too high. Do
not interpret this natural response as a reason to turn the sys-
tem volume up further ! As the session wears on ear fatigue
may set in, and the speaker cones may become hot so reducing
the effectiveness of the system and listeners to gain any benefit
from increased volume.
For
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