Extron Electronics System 5 IP Series User Guide - Manual (Page 32)

Front Panel Features and Basic Operation, cont’d
System 5 IP Switchers • Front Panel Features and Basic Operation 3-6
PRELIMINAR
Y
Configuring the Preamp output level
Prior to adjusting any input levels, an output level must be selected from the
following options. You will not need to change the output level if the Preamp
output will not be used.
• -10 dBV, unbalanced (consumer) (default): typically used when the switcher’s
output is connected to the unbalanced input of a consumer product such as a
VCR, stereo receiver-amplifier, or self-powered speakers.
• +4 dBu, balanced (professional): typically used when the switcher’s output is
connected to the balanced input of a professional product such as a mixer, power
amplifier, or some assistive listening devices.
Check manufacturers’ specifications for details on input/output devices that
you will connect to the Preamp output.
Adjusting audio input levels
Adjusting the input level for each input via the front panel or the supplied
configuration software ensures that the switcher can deliver maximum power out
of the amplifier, output the proper signal on the Preamp output, and prevent
noticeable jumps in audio levels during input switching.
The input level can be adjusted (-40 dB to +30 dB) for all of the inputs. The default
level is 0 dB.
Common output levels for audio source devices range from -20 dBV, unbalanced to
+4 dBu, balanced. If the input level settings are not closely matched to the source
devices’ levels, the signal may be overdriven and distorted.
• Consumer portable devices such as personal CD players and laptops typically
have fixed and/or variable unbalanced outputs. If connecting a variable level
output to the switcher, you must make adjustments with the source’s volume set
to maximum.
• Consumer nonportable devices such as VCRs, DVD players, and computer
sound cards typically output an unbalanced -10 dBV signal.
• Professional products such as preamps, mixers, and signal processors typically
output a balanced +4 dBu signal.
There can be large variations in sources’ output levels. Check manufacturers’
specifications for details on devices connected to the switcher’s inputs.
Input level adjustments can be made in 1 dB increments/decrements via the front
panel (FPC model only) or the configuration software. See the wiring diagrams in
chapter two. Read pages 3-5 through 3-7, and pages 3-9, 4-11, and 5-9 in this
manual for details on adjusting per-input audio levels.
Because there are many different output levels for source devices, Extron
recommends that you adjust the input level for each input. When making
these adjustments, use source material with a wide dynamic range. The
material should have loud passages representative of what will be used in the
system.
Making adjustments
Leave the bass and treble set to 0 prior to adjusting the input level. Audio input
levels must be adjusted with an active audio signal.
1. Connect an active audio source to an input on the switcher.
2. Select the System 5 IP’s input with the active input signal.