Sound Devices 302 - Manual (Page 13)

302 User Guide and Technical Information
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5. Step through all Setup Menu options by pressing the PK/VU button until the meters
“dance”.
The setting is now saved and the Output Attenuation LED should now be lit.
Tape Out (Mix Output)
The Tape Output is typically used to interface with consumer inputs such as MiniDisc, DAT,
and compact cassette recorders. The 302 has an unbalanced, two-channel tape level output
on a single, locking Switchcraft TA3M-type connector.
The Tape Output program is identical to the XLR Output. Tape Out level is fixed at a -15 dBu
nominal level and is electrically isolated from the XLR Outputs. Additionally, the Tape Output
functions as the Mix Out to link multiple Sound Devices mixers. See Mixer Linking .
Output Limiters
In addition to the limiters on each input channel, the 302 has a software-controlled
Output Limiter. Output Limiters are used to prevent overloading of recorders,
cameras, and wireless transmitters connected to the 302. The Output Limiters on the 302 use an
optoisolator-based peak limiting circuit. The Output Limiter threshold is set in the Setup Menu. The
Output Limiter can be set in one of two positions, Link or LIM.
Link (Stereo Operation)
When set in the link position, the Output Limiters act identically on each (left/right) output bus. If
one output causes the limiter to engage, the other bus will follow suit. This is useful when using the
302 in stereo-operation, output limiters will not affect the stereo image.
LIM (Dual-Mono)
When using each output bus separately the output limiter should be set to the ON position. This
position engages each Output Limiter separately. They will act on each respective output bus
independently of each other.
While all dynamics processing “distorts” the audio signal, overloading a circuit is usually far more
objectionable. For most applications the limiters are a significant benefit and should be enabled.
Headphone Monitoring
The 302 has a flexible headphone circuit capable of selecting a variety of audio signals for headphone
monitoring. Most professional headphones ranging in impedance from 8 ohms to 1000 ohms can be
used with the 302.
The 302 headphone output is capable of producing ear-damaging levels. Turn down levels before
switching headphone sources.
The Headphone Level Control adjusts the overall volume sent to the headphones. The level control
adjusts both the left and right headphone outputs simultaneously.