Harman 286 user manual Output, Gain dB Control and Clip LED

286s

Operating Controls Section 2

Readjust as needed to gate out noise -- external, as well as hiss from the unit. The 286s other processing can add substantial gain to a signal, especially at higher settings, thereby increasing the noise floor.

Output

GAIN (dB) Control and CLIP LED

The OUTPUT GAIN control sets the level at the line output. The OUTPUT GAIN control is especially useful to compensate for the RMS level changes which result from the 286s processing effects. For example, to decrease the overall gain (e.g., when the 286s processing has added too much gain), simply turn the OUTPUT GAIN control counterclockwise. The OUTPUT GAIN can also be used to counter any gain reduction after you have adjusted

the 286s controls for the desired amount of processing; adjust the OUTPUT GAIN control clockwise, to add gain as needed.

The red OUTPUT GAIN LED (located to the right of the OUTPUT GAIN control) lights when the 286s Processing Section is clipping; reduce gain via the OUTPUT GAIN control. Set this control so that the OUTPUT CLIP LED never lights. If the OUTPUT CLIP LED is still lit, reduce the gain caused by the 286s processors (e.g., high Compressor DRIVE settings) or the gain provided by an external processor connected to the INSERT (if any).

If the meters on your load device (e.g., recorder, mixer, etc.) are in the red and your OUTPUT CLIP LED is not lit, simply reduce the 286s OUTPUT GAIN until the desired levels are obtained. If your load device is still in the red, reduce its input attenuators (if available).

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