Antex Electronics StudioCard AV Pro, StudioCard 2000, & SC-22 - Manual (Page 82)

L e v e l s a n d H e a d r o o m C h a p t e r 4
Antex Electronics Corporation Antex StudioCard 4-5
Interpreting Input /
Output Trim Levels
The StudioCard allows two input/output trim levels. They are
set in the mixer and are marked +24 and +12.
When +24dBu is selected, a standard nominal level of
+4dBu (most balanced pro equipment) will produce a
reading of -20dB on the level meter. This allows a very
conservative 20dB before clipping.
When +12dBu is selected, a standard nominal level of
-10dBV (most home audio equipment) will produce a
reading of -20dB on the level meter. Again this allows a
very conservative 20dB before clipping. Playback levels
will follow recording levels.
These levels require all level control in the mixer to be set at
their full on positions (default). Levels can be lowered but not
increased above these values.
A Little History In analog tape recording the level meters are usually scaled in
dBVu or Volume Units calibrated in decibels. At the 0Vu point
the scale usually changes to red and is labeled in +dB units.
We are warned that going into the red will cause distortion in
the recording. This is true, but in analog tape recording this
distortion can be tolerable well into the red region.
In digital audio recording there is an absolute maximum level
that can be recorded and any signal above this level will be
clipped (digital clipping). Clipping will produce intolerable
amounts of distortion. All metering for digital audio places 0Vu
at the clipping point. This means that you must keep your
average and peak levels below the 0Vu point.