Audient ASP8024 Large Format Recording Console - Manual (Page 17)

Operation Manual
17
Using the ASP8024
© 8.21
Metering is extremely important as it can
determine whether or not a signal is too
low in level, in which case it may be noisy,
or too high in level in which case it may
suffer distortion. The aim of the meters is
to assist in setting the signal level between
the two extremes of noise and distortion.
A signal level that is too high clips meaning
that the smooth waveform abruptly
changes when the electronics runs out of
headroom. Normally a visual indication of
impending clipping is given before the
audible effects become apparent.
At the other extreme, if there is insufficient
signal, any noise present will be amplified
along with the signal when it is eventually
brought up to the correct level. There are
no indicators warning you of this condition
- only the fact that the signal is not
“peaking” to any extent on the meter.
To aid this situation the audient 8024 has
input and output meters. Tape Input levels
can be monitored on a 20 segment meter,
while microphone input levels can be
monitored on a 3 segment meter. Provision
is made for the function of these meters
to be reversed, as, particularly when
tracking, it may be desirable to observe the
input signal on the large meter.
METERING
On most analogue consoles it can be a very
trying task to try and associate the VU
meter readings with those on a digital tape
recorder. The ASP8024 peak reading
meters make this task simpler by effectively
replicating the digital meters on the
recorder. Since the meters are peak reading
they give a true indication of the signal level
allowing you to use the full dynamic range
of the electronics.
The meters are calibrated with 0dBFS at
the top of the scale, all other levels being
negative with respect to this.
OdB is calibrated for a signal level of
+18dBu and the 0VU mark for +4dBu. In
addition there is an OVER indicator which
illuminates at +20dBu. The meters are
peak reading to give a response much
more like the readings on a digital recorder.
Meters are provided for :-
Main Stereo Output
Subgroup Outputs
Tape Return Inputs
MIC/LINE Inputs