Chapter 5: Monitor Setup; Monitor Calibration (Analog Outputs); Main Channel Spl Adjustment - Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Manual

Audio quality controller with optional hd/sd-sdi and dolby decoding

Table of Contents

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide

Chapter 5: Monitor Setup

5.1

The Linear Acoustic AERO.qc can be optionally supplied with a monitoring grade digital-

to-analog converter that provides balanced outputs of all eight audio channels. The level

of these outputs can be controlled by the front panel rotary encoder or from an external

volume control (a higher quality "big knob" remote is available from Linear Acoustic).

The individual channels can be calibrated over a 10-dB range to allow matching the unit to

power amplifiers or powered speakers. To maintain the lowest noise and widest dynamic

range, it is important to manage analog gain stages properly and in order.

It is strongly recommended that gains be adjusted in the following order:

•

Gains of power amplifiers or powered speakers

•

AERO.qc channel trims

•

AERO.qc volume control

With an input level of -20dBFS, the analog outputs will be at +4dBu. While appropriate

for most power amplifier/speaker combination, many powered loudspeakers will produce

excessive output SPL when driven at this level and thus will usually contain continuously

adjustable input gain controls for trimming. In some cases, these might not have enough

range or the gain controls may just be coarse adjustments. In this case, it will be necessary

to use an external attenuator to match the reference levels of the AERO.qc and the pow-

ered speaker or amplifier. Contact the factory for more information.

5.1.1

Monitor calibration is the single most important part of calibrating an AERO.qc and a

proper mix environment. Take the time to get this right and check it regularly.

With the AERO.qc properly referenced and volume and channel trims at 0dB, apply pink

noise at plant reference (such as -20dBFS) to the Center channel (Channel 3). This is best

accomplished via the Test Tones menu (under System Options).

NOTE: It is very important to make sure that Volume is set to Reference, indicated by

a small green LED below the front panel monitor knob. This LED will turn red

when output is muted (via Monitor Control input) and will be off when monitor

levels are not at reference.

Table of Contents