Allenheath XONE 22 User Manual download pdf (Page 13)

It is most important that the system level settings are correctly set. It is well known that

many DJs push the level to maximum with meters peaking hard in the belief that they are

getting the best from the system. THIS IS NOT THE CASE ! The best 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 / speaker system that sets the maximum volume that can be achieved, not the

console. 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 listen-

ing levels are maintained. Remember that it is the QUALITY of the sound that pleases the

ear, not the VOLUME.

OPERATING LEVELS

The diagram below illustrates the operating range of the audio signal.

NORMAL OPERATING RANGE. For normal music the signal should range between

–6 and +6 on the meters with average around 0dB. This allows enough HEADROOM for

unexpected 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.

An important note …

The human ear is a remarkable organ with the ability to com-

press or ‘shut down’ when sound levels become too high. Do

not interpret this natural response as a reason to turn the sys-

tem volume up further! As the session wears on ear fatigue

may set in, and the speaker cones may become hot, increasing

distortion and reducing the ability of listeners to gain any

benefit from increased volume.

82!

1 2 ... 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 ... 23 24

No comments

Allenheath XONE 22 User Manual Page 13