Sound Devices 302 - Manual (Page 12)

302 User Guide and Technical Information
12
v. 3.6 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Outputs
The 302 is a two-bus mixer. Each input can be “hard panned” between the left and right output
bus making it easy to use the 302 in either stereo or dual-mono operations. Because dialog is often
recorded in mono, each output connector can be used to feed a separate camera or recorder. The
302’s Master XLR Outputs and Tape Outputs share the same program content.
There is no master level control on the 302. The master is factory-set to unity gain, or “0” dB.
XLR Outputs
The two XLR outputs are active-balanced connections, each capable of driving long lines. These
connections can be used as either balanced or unbalanced. When unbalancing, use pin-2 for (+) and
pin-1 for ground; float (leave open) pin-3.
XLR Output Level
The XLR Output Level is adjusted in the Setup Menu (there is no external Mic/Line level switch).
See Setup Menu for details . From the factory, the 302 is set for Line Level (0 dB) outputs. The Output
Attenuation LED, adjacent to the XLR Outputs, indicates if the XLR Outputs are set to any level
other than Line Level.
If the Output Attenuation
LED is illuminated, the XLR
Output Level is set to below
Line Level
Line-Level or Mic-Level (or somewhere in between)
The XLR Output Level can be attenuated anywhere from a Line level (0 dB) signal to low Mic level
(-56 dB) signal. See Setup Menu for adjustment. Both the Left and Right XLR Outputs are adjusted
simultaneously, the Left and Right Outputs cannot be attenuated independently.
Attenuation is set from 0 to -16 dB in 2 dB increments, and -40 to -56 dB in 2 dB increments. The
common attenuation levels of -10 dB (Aux level), -40 dB (hot Mic-level), and -56 dB (low Mic-level)
are available.
When attenuating the XLR Output level in the Setup Menu, determine how much attenuation is
applied by adding the values shown by the solidly lit LEDs. For example, to set -40 dB of attenuation
the values of -30 (right meter) and -10 (left meter) should be illuminated.
Output levels should be set according to the input level of the receiving device (camera, recorder,
transmitter, etc.). This unique control is ideal because the gain structure of the 302 can be set
precisely for any given piece of equipment.
To attenuate the XLR Outputs from Line to Mic level:
1. Turn off the mixer, if already on.
2. Press and hold the Peak/VU selection button while switching power on. Continue to hold
down the PK/VU button until the -30 LED on the left meter begins to flash.
3. The Setup Menu is now entered. The XLR Output Attenuation is the first Setup Menu option
indicated by the flashing -30 LED on the left meter. The solidly lit 0 dB LEDs indicate that the
mixer is currently set to Line level (0 dB).
4. Use the Brightness (down) button to apply attenuation. Successively press the down button
until the -30 LED on the right meter and the -10 LED on the left meter are illuminated.