Using The Octane - M-Audio Octane User Manual

Using the Octane

Octane's low-noise microphone preamps provide up to 70dB of gain on the XLR mic inputs and up to 50dB of gain on the TRS instrument
Setting Gain
inputs. Connect your microphones and/or instruments to Octane's inputs with the associated channels set to minimum gain, then raise
the gain slowly while feeding it a live signal (by testing the mic or playing the instrument). A good input level will light the channel's
–20dB (Green) LED and –10dB (Yellow) LEDs. Note that when the Clip (Red) LED lights, it is indicating that the signal is approximately -
3dB below clipping. Ideally, the Clip LED should flicker briefly on strong input signal peaks, but not light steadily, as this will lead to an
overloaded, distorted signal.
Note that Octane's level meters are only an indication of the input level from your audio source (microphone, instrument, etc.) into Octane's
preamps. It is equally important to check the level at the inputs of your DAW or other digital recording device.
A word about metering: Different hardware devices and software applications employ different metering schemes. For example, the
ADAT and some DAW programs will show level on their input meters at as low as –40dB, whereas Octane's meters register at -20dB.
It is entirely possible that your DAW or other recording device will display a reading at very low audio levels, even when Octane's meters
do not show a level.
In digital recording, particularly with 24-bit digital technology, it is important to achieve as hot a signal as possible without exceeding
0dB. The higher an input level you record with, the better the resolution of your digital recording will be. Do not go over 0dB or your signal
will be distorted.
If your channel input signal is too hot, causing the red Clip LED to light steadily, pressing and locking the PAD switch in the IN position will
Using the Pad Switches
insert a 20dB pad into the signal chain.
NOTE: As with most preamplification, it is always advisable to turn down your monitors before turning on any PAD switch.
Channels 1 and 2 offer front panel Instrument Inputs on unbalanced 1/4" TS connectors. These Instrument Inputs employ separate
Instrument Inputs (Ch 1 and 2)
instrument preamps, providing higher input impedance and far better Signal-to-Noise Ratio than the shared Mic/Instrument preamp
combinations available in most preamps. The level for these Instrument Inputs is controlled by that channel's Instrument Level control.
Turn fully counter-clockwise for minimum gain, fully clockwise for maximum gain.
NOTE: When a TS connector is inserted in channel 1 or 2 Inst In, that channel's Mic Input is disabled.
Octane's eight Preamp Outputs are direct analog outputs on balanced/unbalanced 1/4" TRS connectors. They can be used to connect
Using the Preamp Outputs
directly to an analog input on a computer sound card, mixing console or other analog device.
The Preamp Outputs are half-normalled to their associated A/D Line Inputs. Plugging a connector into the A/D Line Input will interrupt
the signal from the XLR input, but plugging a connector into the Line Output will not. This allows you to use them as channel insert sends,
to connect a compressor, limiter, or other analog signal processor.
Octane's eight A/D Line Inputs are direct high-level inputs on balanced/unbalanced 1/4" TRS connectors. These inputs bypass the
Using the A/D Line Inputs
channel microphone preamps, providing direct connection to Octane's ADC (Analog to Digital Converters). This makes it possible to use
Octane as a standalone analog-to-digital converter.
The A/D Line Inputs are half-normalled to their associated Preamp Outputs. Plugging a connector into the A/D Line Input will interrupt
the signal from the XLR input, but plugging a connector into the Line Output will not. This allows you to also use them as channel insert
returns, to return signal from a compressor, limiter, or other analog signal processor.
To use the Preamp Outputs and A/D Line Inputs as inserts, connect the channel's Preamp Output to the input of your insert device (e.g.,
compressor, noise gate, etc.). Connect the device's output to the channel's A/D Line Input.
In some cases, foot movements, mic stand noise, traffic and other environmental elements can create unwanted low frequency noise
Lo-Cut Switch (Ch 1)
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