Allen&Heath Xone S6 - Manual (Page 29)

XONE:S6 User Guide 29
Operating Levels and Meters
It is most important that the system level settings are correctly set. The best
performance can only be achieved if the system levels are set within the normal
operating range and not allowed to peak. Peaking simply results in signal
distortion, not more volume. It is the specification of the amplifier and speaker
system that sets the maximum volume that can be achieved. The human ear
too can fool the operator into believing that more volume is needed. Be careful
as this is in fact a warning that hearing damage will result if high listening levels
are maintained. Remember that it is the QUALITY of the sound that pleases the
ear, not the VOLUME.
The meters The channel meters are peak responding. The LEDs have a
very fast attack and slower decay to display the music peaks. The main meters
are the moving coil VU type with damped mechanical action displaying the
average music level. It is typical for the VU meters to read lower than the LED
type. Music averaging around ‘0’ on the main meters may be peaking around
‘+6’ or so on the channel meters. If the music is heavily compressed this
difference may be much less. Reduce the level if the channel meter red ‘+10’
LED lights or the VU meter needle is hitting ‘+3’ on its scale.
Normal operating levels. For normal music the channel meters should
range between –6 and +6 with main meters averaging around 0dB. This
allows enough headroom for the loudest peaks before the signal hits its
maximum clipping voltage and distorts. It also achieves the best signal-to-
noise-ratio by keeping the signal well above the residual noise floor (system
hiss). The dynamic range is the maximum signal swing available between the
residual noise floor and clipping. The XONE:S6 provides a massive 116dB
dynamic range.
A final note … The human ear is a remarkable organ with the ability to
compress or ‘shut down’ when sound levels become too high. Do not interpret
this natural response as a reason to turn the system volume up further !
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