Specifications

5.1-Channel Production Guidelines Production Environment
3-15
There are three options to adjust monitor system playback levels:
•
Amplifier gain trim controls
•
Mixer’s group outputs (one for each of the L, C, R, Ls, Rs, and Sw channels)
•
Decoder output level trim controls
The best option is to use your amplifier gain controls to set proper playback levels.
This option allows you to maintain optimum signal-to-noise performance from the
decoder and console. Using either the group outputs from the console or the output
level trim controls on the decoder may sacrifice signal-to-noise ratio.
Pink noise readings depend on the type of meter used to set level (and, strictly
speaking, on the bandwidth of the pink noise signal). In film practice, pink noise level
is read with a true VU meter, or a meter display with a VU characteristic. If reference
level is specified as "0 VU," where "0 VU" corresponds to -20 dBFS for a digital
recording medium, then pink noise should be set to “0 VU” on the console meter or
meter display, and the SPL set accordingly.
Note: Many, if not most, modern consoles have peak-reading meters or meter
displays. Pink noise that reads at reference level using a true VU meter will read
from 8–12 dB higher on a peak reading meter or meter display. If your console has
switchable meter characteristics, be sure to select the "VU" mode when setting pink
noise levels.