Bogen CAM2 specifications Operation, Power, MIC Gain Control, AUX Gain Control, Clip Indicator

Operation

Power

This switch applies power to the unit.The Switch Actuator will light to indicate power "ON" when connected to an AC power source.

MIC Gain Control

The four MIC volume controls are used to adjust the level of individual mic input channels. Rotate these controls clockwise (to the higher numbers) to increase volume and counter-clockwise (to the lower numbers) to reduce volume. Use these controls and the AUX control to mix the input signals to the desired levels.

AUX Gain Control

Controls the AUX input volume and functions the same as the MIC volume controls.

Clip Indicator

Each input channel has a dedicated red clip- ping indicator to the right of the channel’s label. During normal operation, the CLIP

indicators for each input should remain unlit or light infrequently.

If the indicator is lighting frequently or constantly, it indicates that the input is being overdriven by too much input signal level.The input of the CAM2 can only accept signals up to a certain level. Once the input signal becomes larg- er than the handling capability of the input circuits, the circuitry will begin to distort the input signal. The distortion will produce poor sound quality on that channel.This condition is called overdriving the input.The distortion of the input signal cannot be corrected by turning down the input level control because the signal is being distorted before the level control can affect it. All the level control can do, in this case, is adjust the level of the now distorted sig- nal. To correct this situation, the level of the signal source must be reduced so that it is no longer overdriving the input.Typically, microphones will not overdrive their inputs. However, other equipment that is connected to a MIC input has a high likelihood of overdriving the input. Note that the -50dB setting of the CAM2 BAL/OUT’s Output Level switch was provided to avoid this very situation when a CAM2 BAL/OUT signal is connected to another MIC input.The AUX input can also be overdriven, but the signal levels necessary to do this are much higher than those of a MIC input. Normally using the outputs of CD players, tuners, and tape players will not cause this problem. However, connection to the speaker outputs of boom boxes, stereo amplifiers, and other equipment designed to drive speakers can overdrive the AUX input.

Master Gain Control

This control regulates the overall output level of the CAM2. After setting the MIC and AUX con- trols to provide the desired mix of input signal sources, adjust the MASTER control for the desired overall volume level throughout the audio system. The MASTER gain control affects both the BAL/OUT and LINE OUT signals.

Output Level Meter

The output level meter is provided as a tool for getting the optimum performance from the CAM2. Using the individual level controls and the master, adjust the levels as desired but below the level that caused the red +3 output level meter indicator to light (it can light infrequently on short peaks in the sound). If the output signal is very low, as in quiet passages in music, the out- put level meter may not light at all. It was designed to assist in the operation of the CAM2 as the output signal levels approach critical maximum output level. If the red indicator is flashing fre-

quently or constantly, it means that the output signal from the CAM2 is becoming distorted and could be causing poor sound quality. Turn down the MASTER control, or the individual control of a particularly loud input, to bring the meter out of the red range. See the section on setting up system gains for further tips on levels.

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