Creative 0404 To Set the Input Levels of a Strip, Comparison of -10dBV& +4dBu Signal Levels

4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer

Mixer Strip Creation

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

1.Right-Click on an Insert location of the mixer strip. A pop-up dialog box appears.

2.Select “Insert Peak Meter.” A stereo peak meter appears in the insert location.

3.Select FX in the Main Section, then Left-Click on the meter insert. The meters are now shown in high resolution in the TV screen.

To Set the Input Levels of a Strip

1.Select the topmost Insert location on a mixer strip and insert a meter (see above).

2.Left-click on the meter insert to see the meter in the TV screen.

3.Feed your audio signal to the input of the mixer strip. The meter should now show the signal level.

4.Adjust the output level of the external device (synthesizer, instrument, preamp, etc.) 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		Professional
	(unbalanced)		(balanced)
			+20 dBu	<-- Clipping
Clipping -->	+ 6 dBV	=	+8 dBu	Headroom
Headroom	+ 2 dBV	=	+4 dBu }
	{-10 dBV	=	-8 dBu
0 dBV = 1V RMS			0dBu = .777V RMS

E-MU Digital Audio System 25