M-AUDIO 1010LT - Manual (Page 36)

VARIABLE OUTPUT LEVELS: This section has two layers, providing extremely versatile
control of your Delta 1010LT’s input and output operating line levels.
In the first layer there are three selections available for globally setting the operating line
levels for the Delta 1010LT’s analog input and output ports. These selections are labeled
“+4dBu,” “Consumer” (-4dB), and “-10dBV,” represented by sets of radio buttons each for
both the Delta analog inputs and the Delta analog outputs. These sections are labeled “All
Inputs” and “All Outputs,” respectively.
The default setting is “Consumer” for both the input and output levels. Consumer is a good
“middle of the road” setting, and will work well in many situations. The setting you
choose ultimately should match the line level of the source audio device (for the
inputs), and the target audio device (for the outputs). Check the user’s guide for
these external devices for information on their input and/or output line levels.
At the Delta analog outputs, a +4dBu setting will give the “hottest” output signal
level. Generally, this signal level is associated with balanced audio inputs. The
Delta 1010LT’s outputs are unbalanced, but can still interface successfully with
balanced inputs. The Consumer and -10dBV settings are typically associated with
unbalanced operation for both consumer and prosumer audio gear, with Consumer
being less hot (-4dBV) and -10dBV being the least hot. As a rule of thumb, if your
signal levels in the computer are sufficient but your target device is not receiving
enough level, try a hotter output signal level setting.
At the Delta analog inputs, a +4dBu setting will give the most headroom for recording,
allowing the Delta 1010LT to accept a hotter signal level. If your source audio device
puts out less signal, such as unbalanced consumer and prosumer equipment, then the
lower settings of Consumer and -10dBV will lower the headroom, bringing record
ceiling closer to the signal that you are recording. As a rule of thumb, the lower the
signal level of your source audio, the lower the input signal level should be set.
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