M-Audio Torq manual Master Output, Level Meter and Limiter

Master Output

The Master Output is the last step in Torq’s audio signal flow before the music goes out to your audience. It contains a Master Level slider, a Master Level meter, a Master Limiter, as well as an Audio Recorder. All of these controls are located below the right Deck in a neat, horizontal arrangement.

Volume Control

As you may assume, the Master Volume slider controls the overall output of Torq’s Main Outputs. This slider is also used to set the level of the Torq File Recorder (explained later in this manual). Unlike the Channel Volume faders, the Master Volume slider is on its side—moving the slider to the right will increase the output volume while moving to the left will decrease it.

Level Meter and Limiter

The Master Level meter shares the same space as the Master Volume slider. You’ll see the meter moving behind the slider while music is playing.

Since Torq is a digital audio system, it has a limited amount of headroom (dynamic range). Whenever your mix exceeds the headroom, clipping (distortion) normally occurs. To prevent this undesired sound, Torq features a Limiter on the Master Output which will keep the Main Outputs from clipping.

Whenever the green circle (located at the right edge of the Master Volume meter) lights, the Limiter is protecting the system against clipping. It does this by quickly reducing the volume any time the Master Volume exceeds the maximum headroom. A limiter is not foolproof, though—you’ll want to be sure that you aren’t triggering the limiter all the time. If the volume of your mix is too loud, the limiter will reduce the volume all the time, and this will sound strange. If you find that the green indicator is on most of the time during your mix, you should turn down the Master Volume slider so your mix doesn’t constantly peg the limiter. To make up for the reduced volume, turn up the volume on the house sound system..

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