M-Audio DMP3 User Manual - page 7
7
VU Meters
The VU meters on the DMP3 are there to provide a visual reference to the
signal at the output of the DMP3. They are, however, calibrated to
correspond more closely to the level you will see on a recording device that
has digital peak meters to show input level.
VU meters show an average of the signal voltages, while peak meters show
the true peaks in that signal. Peak meters are, in that sense, more sensitive
than VU meters, and are more affected by timbre and pitch. It is possible that
a peak meter could be approching the 0dB level (the maximum possible
before clipping), while the VU meter shows very little movement.
The VU meters on the DMP3 are adjusted so that a more accurate visual
representation is created in relation to the peak meters in your computer or
digital recording device. As mentioned, this relationship will vary between
instruments of different timbre and pitch. Because of that, you may want to
compare the DMP3 VU levels to the inputs levels on your recording device for
each performance, and decide how “hot” you can go on the VU meters before
clipping occurs on your recording device.
Hi/Lo Gain Switches
Two gain ranges are provided for the DMP3 preamps. The “Hi/Lo Gain”
switch on the front panel is used to select between the two gain ranges, with
the ‘Out’ position being the default.
The Hi/Lo Gain switch in the Out position is the “Hi Gain” range, while the
‘In’ position switches the DMP3 to the “Lo Gain” range. The gain range is
considered to be from the beginning to the end of the Gain Adjustment
Knob’s travel from left to right. In the Out, or Hi Gain position, the DMP3
preamp of the corresponding channel will provide 32dB to 66dB of gain
using either the microphone inputs or the 1/4” high impedance instrument
inputs. In the In, or Lo Gain position, the DMP3 preamp (of the
corresponding channel) will provide 6dB to 40dB of gain using the
microphone or 1/4” high impedance instrument inputs.
Some mics or instruments will have a hotter output signal than others. As a
general guideline, if you use a mic or instrument in the Hi Gain position and find
that you can achieve a desirable output level with the Gain Adjustment Knob set
somewhere between 10:00 and 2:00 (or higher if necessary), then the Hi Gain
position is a proper choice. If, however, you find yourself clipping while hardly
any movement of the Gain Adjustment Knob has been made, then switching to
the Lo Gain position is advised. Conversely, if you are in the Lo Gain position and
find that you have to turn the Gain Adjustment Knob past 2:00, then you might
want to try lowering the gain and switching to the Hi Gain position.