MACKIE HDR24/96 - Manual (Page 87)

HDR 24/96
This is really quite an informative display. By observing the difference between the peak and
average levels, you can get a sense of the apparent loudness of a track. We perceive loudness
based on average, rather than peak level, yet we are restricted, by the nature of digital recording,
to a peak level of 0 dBFS. The closer the average level comes to the peak level, the louder the
track will appear to sound. A track that has its average level riding near its peak level will sound
loud and dense, while one that has peaks consistently and considerably higher than the average
level will sound quieter.
Lastly, under the Options menu you’ll find Peak Hold. When this is option is ON, the fall time of
the top segment of the peak-reading meter display is slowed to a crawl, so you can more easily
see how high the peaks reached even after they’ve gone away. Peak Hold functions even when
you’ve selected the Average metering characteristic. Think of it as a hidden peak meter behind
the averaging meter, with just its top segment visible.
Get familiar with all the meter modes. Use the one that gives you the best results based on the
type of material you’re recording.
Clip (Overload) Indicator
The numbers above the GUI meter columns not only indicate the track to which the meter
corresponds, but also indicate, by changing from white to red, that one or more samples recorded
on that track has reached full scale digital level, and that clipping may have occurred. Unlike
some peak indicators which self-clear after several seconds, these remain red and blinking until
you attend to them.
Reset a Clip indicator by clicking on the red number. Click and drag across the numbers to clear
multiple indicators. The Clip indicators clear automatically upon entering Play since they are
only significant when recording.
Front Panel meters
Like the GUI meters, the 24 front panel LED meters cover the range of –50 dBFS to 0 dBFS (clip).
Like a conventional VU meter, the scale has greater resolution (fewer dB between steps) the closer
you get to full scale. The upper LED in each column is marked OL (Overload) and when that flashes,
you’ve reached digital full scale, with possible clipping.
The dynamic response of the meters has been designed so that they indicate peak levels of very short
duration, yet will give you a good indication of average recording level. If the OL light goes on very
rarely, that’s probably OK, but you should check for clipping. If you see one flashing regularly, like
keeping time along with the beat of a drum, back off on the recording level. Your tracks will be
cleaner.
Technical Reference 87