Owner`s manual

Rev0.02

Basic Operation

Adjusting the input source volume (Input Sensitivity)

The output from guitars, bass guitars, microphones, keyboards, and other instruments all enter the BR-1200CD as

continuous electrical waves. This type of output is referred to as an analog signal. Inside the BR-1200CD, circuits

known as A/D converters are used to convert these analog signals into digital signals. If the volume of an analog

signal is too high, unpleasant distortion will occur in the corresponding digital signal; however, if the volume of this

signal is too low, the noise that is generated during conversion to digital will become very noticeable. Once

distortion or noise becomes obvious in a digital signal, it is extremely difficult to restore the quality of the sound

using any amount of post-processing. In order to record with good sound quality, therefore, it is extremely

important that you adjust the volume of the analog signal in such a way that the source can be made as loud as

possible without distorting. Adjustment of a source’s volume while it is still an analog signal is carried out using the

INPUT SENS (Input Sensitivity) knob.

fig.07-20

1 Play the instrument to be recorded.

2 Check whether the PEAK indicator for that

instrument’s input source lights up when the

instrument is played hard.

If it lights up frequently:

The volume is too loud. Turn the INPUT SENS knob

for the corresponding input source counterclockwise

to reduce the volume to a level where the PEAK

indicator lights up only occasionally when the

instrument is played hard.

If it lights up occasionally when the

instrument is played hard:

The volume is at a suitable level and does not need to

be adjusted.

If it never lights up:

The volume is too low. Turn the INPUT SENS knob

for the corresponding input source clockwise to raise

the volume to a level where the PEAK indicator lights

up only occasionally when the instrument is played

hard.

• If a suitable volume cannot be obtained even when the INPUT SENS knob is used, it is quite possible that the output

volume of the instrument itself is improper level. In such a case, make sure that the instrument’s volume is at a

suitable level, and then repeat the adjustment procedure described above.

• If you are using a condenser microphone that requires phantom power, no sound will be output from the microphone

until the phantom power is turned on. Refer to the user’s manual that came with your microphone, and then turn on

the phantom power if the manual indicates that it is necessary. For more detailed information regarding usage of

phantom power, refer to “Using condenser microphones (Phantom Power)” (p. 278).

Each PEAK indicator lights up when the corresponding analog signal reaches -6 dB, and distortion occurs in the A/D

converter when this signal rises beyond 0 dB.