[gkl]

So, I got a Corda Cantate recently (mr. Meier is a really great guy!). I have it plugged in the main output (the 3.5 mm one) of E-MU 0404 USB that I own. But what I'd like to know is, how loud must I make the main output level? Currently have it @ max.
For pictures of the 0404 go here - E-MU Systems - 0404 USB 2.0 - USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface

 

[Xyrium]

Have you launched the Patchmix app to view your input and output levels? Just keep 'em out of the red as a general rule of thumb I suppose.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gkl /img/forum/go_quote.gif So, I got a Corda Cantate recently (mr. Meier is a really great guy!). I have it plugged in the main output (the 3.5 mm one) of E-MU 0404 USB that I own. But what I'd like to know is, how loud must I make the main output level? Currently have it @ max. For pictures of the 0404 go here - E-MU Systems - 0404 USB 2.0 - USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface

 

[gkl]

No Patchmix for 0404 USB. I think it's only for E-MU PCI cards.

 

[sejarzo]

The main output level on the 0404 USB should be set to the maximum (+0 dB) setting in most cases.

That produces a nominal 2.10 Vrms output for a 0 dBFS digital signal, virtually the same as most CD players or other sources (typically spec'd at 2.0 Vrms; 2.1 Vrms is only about 0.4 dB higher.)

The volume knob on the outboard unit is just an analog pot to attenuate the output level, so there is no chance of driving anything inside the 0404 USB to or beyond clipping by setting it at the maximum level.

 

[d-cee]

yeah set it to max

if you look on the 0404 itself the volume pot @ max is +0dB, everything else is attenuating it to below 0dB

 

[Xyrium]

Whoops, sorry about that. Interesting. I find the app invaluable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gkl /img/forum/go_quote.gif No Patchmix for 0404 USB. I think it's only for E-MU PCI cards.

 

[d-cee]

yes I love patchmix too

but with the 0404 USB most of the controls are done with the dials/buttons

 

[gkl]

Oh, so I did everything correctly. Nice, thanks for the respone.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Question about the balanced output level...

I don't see the option in the drivers to switch from consumer level (-10 dB) to pro level (+4 dB) like I had with PatchMix. Does the 0404 USB automatically sense a balanced load and increase the output to match it?

 

[DC20]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gkl /img/forum/go_quote.gif But what I'd like to know is, how loud must I make the main output level? Currently have it @ max.

It is better to set volume to max (as it is possible, but care about overdriving), for better S/N ratio.
(i'm sorry about my english...but i hope you understand me

)

 

[sejarzo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif Question about the balanced output level... I don't see the option in the drivers to switch from consumer level (-10 dB) to pro level (+4 dB) like I had with PatchMix. Does the 0404 USB automatically sense a balanced load and increase the output to match it?

Not exactly, as far as I can tell. Check page 52 of the manual.....the "professional" output level is shown as +12 dBV and the "consumer" level is shown as +6 dBV.

To me, that means that the output at the rear mini jack, or from a TS plug inserted into the TRS jacks, is simply the "hot" side of the balanced output versus signal ground, and when one inserts a TRS plug, one gets double the voltage from "hot" versus "cold".

Refresh my memory.......what does pro level/+ 4dB mean in terms of Vrms output for a 0 dBFS digital signal?

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sejarzo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Not exactly, as far as I can tell. Check page 52 of the manual.....the "professional" output level is shown as +12 dBV and the "consumer" level is shown as +6 dBV. To me, that means that the output at the rear mini jack, or from a TS plug inserted into the TRS jacks, is simply the "hot" side of the balanced output versus signal ground, and when one inserts a TRS plug, one gets double the voltage from "hot" versus "cold". Refresh my memory.......what does pro level/+ 4dB mean in terms of Vrms output for a 0 dBFS digital signal?

I'm not sure... Just looking at specs, it seems like the balanced Vrms output usually is around twice the value of the unbalanced Vrms output.

I remember from another thread that you found the unbalanced Vrms measurement for the 0404 USB to be 2.08 Vrms. If that output is +6 dB, then +12 dB could be 4.16 Vrms.

Don't most unbalanced sources output roughly 2.0 Vrms? If that's the case, why would E-MU list the output as +6 dB and not -10 dB?

 

[DC20]

You should read something about balanced audio and dB's.
Balanced audio - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Decibel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[infinitesymphony]

Okay...

dBV = Vrms = 20*log(V2/V1) = x dB where V1 = 1.0 V

dBV = 20*log(x/1.0) = +6 dB
x = ~2 V

dBV = 20*log(x/1.0) = +12 dB
x = ~3.98 V

However, that calculation would imply that -10 dB consumer gear should have a Vrms of 0.316 V...

 

[DC20]

It is posible, that main out is amped (i think it is):
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7760/dsci0027vp5.jpg
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/8802/dsci0016fs9.jpg
//edit: edited