Specifications
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The parameter decay time determines how long the meters take to go from full
"deflection" to zero measuring an impulse. The parameter peak hold determines how
long the meters hold their highest reading.
The Level Meters are useful for two reasons. First, you can use them to verify that your
internal gain structure is in good shape. You generally want to keep levels near, but not
touching, the red clip LED. To achieve this, it’s always better to boost or cut an output.
Only if a signal level cannot be optimized by an output boost/cut should you resort to
altering an input level! Second, the Level Meters can be used to troubleshoot routing
problems. If, for example, you hear nothing at the output of the H8000FW, and you think
your signal path goes from the analog inputs to DSP B to DSP A to the digital outputs,
you can use the Level Meters to check that signal exists at every point along the way. The
point in the path at which the signal "dies" will clue you in to what routing or level
parameter has been set incorrectly.
Don’t forget about the "I/O Identifier" when troubleshooting. See Programs’ Effect on Routing Decisions on
page 69.
Controlling the Level of the Analog and Digital Inputs
Signals come into the H8000FW from the
outside world via the input block. Adjust the
boost/cut of each of these eight inputs on the
inputs menu page in the LEVELS area. Such
boost/cuts will often be made in "gangs." However, you can boost/cut any of the eight
inputs independently of the others by pressing the DOWN CURSOR key. Note: These settings
are not saved or loaded with routing configurations in the Routing Storage area.
See Ganged Parameters on page 20 for more about "gangs."
The "top" menu page (shown above for the
H8000FW) makes cuts of 0dB to 100dB in the
digital domain. Any cuts made to the analog
input on the "top" page are after digital
conversion. The "bottom" menu page (shown to the right for the H8000) makes analog
boosts/cuts of +30dB/-90dB in the analog domain before conversion. Except in rare
instances, it is usually preferable to optimize the analog input signal level on the "bottom"
menu page, that is, in the analog domain.