Unofficial Mackie User Forums > DL1608/DL806/DL32R/ProDX Mixers

DL Meters

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RoadRanger:

--- Quote from: WK154 on February 20, 2014, 09:01:30 PM ---
--- Quote from: RoadRanger on February 20, 2014, 08:50:32 PM ---How did you measure FS ?

--- End quote ---
I made the assumption that something is correct in their specs and that 0 dBFS = 21 dBu measured at 7.38 dBu (1.84V RMS) makes the -13.68 dBFS. I also checked this a while back and actually got 23 dBu out of the DL (no speaker on) :).

--- End quote ---
Probably a bad assumption - on digital crap FS on the inputs is usually when the A/D converter clips so you should measure against that. Actually I was fooling around a bit last week trying to see if the preamps clip before the A/D converters and I wasn't sure - the clipping sounded a bit "rounded" to me but I didn't have a scope hooked up. Maybe as long as you're in the mood you could take a look for us? :)

WK154:

--- Quote from: RoadRanger on February 20, 2014, 09:10:24 PM ---
--- Quote from: WK154 on February 20, 2014, 09:01:30 PM ---
--- Quote from: RoadRanger on February 20, 2014, 08:50:32 PM ---How did you measure FS ?

--- End quote ---
I made the assumption that something is correct in their specs and that 0 dBFS = 21 dBu measured at 7.38 dBu (1.84V RMS) makes the -13.68 dBFS. I also checked this a while back and actually got 23 dBu out of the DL (no speaker on) :).

--- End quote ---
Probably a bad assumption - on digital crap FS on the inputs is usually when the A/D converter clips so you should measure against that. Actually I was fooling around a bit last week trying to see if the preamps clip before the A/D converters and I wasn't sure - the clipping sounded a bit "rounded" to me but I didn't have a scope hooked up. Maybe as long as you're in the mood you could take a look for us? :)

--- End quote ---
Actually it's the only assumption you can make since we are looking at a black box and the only thing measurable is input and output signals. Unless of course you want to take it apart and measure A/D levels. Where did you get this preamps clipping thing? They will become nonlinear near their rail voltage and max out. A/D will clip once input level is exceeded. In any case none of this is available to measure. The 21 dBu max is 24.5V PP and the rails are at either 30 or 32V. Plenty of margin for the preamps.
Actually record could come in handy since it is looking at the A/D only.   :) Hmm got to see what that means but right now it's still under test for sync problems. It'll have to wait.
Keep in mind that my generator only goes to 19 dBu and the only other thing I have that would do the job is in mothballs a HP3330 85lbs monster I'm not willing to drag out for the DL.
P.S. I'm also a little preoccupied by an X32 and that honey-do list.

update: Behringer to the rescue I have a UB1202 that goes to 22dBu just enough, now to find the cables.

Wynnd:
Personally, I've always considered meters to be reference points and not absolutes.  (Exception is my DB meters.  Those need to be moderately accurate.)  As long as they are off about the same across all inputs, they will be functional for my needs.  I'm still not hearing any clipping or distortion at the levels I'm running.  That strikes me as the preamps are pretty forgiving. 

WK154:
Wynnd as I stated before accurate meters are far more important to mastering or studio work, were one would spend $1200 for a Durrough meter (more than a DL), than live sound. But would you be happy if your gas gauge shows that you have gas and you run out of it? As to the preamps their claim is 109 dB of dynamic range for the mixer that's from +21dBu down to -88 dBu (A weight) more than sufficient for live sound. I would expect the A/D and D/A converters to be the limit not preamps. The 109 dB comes from the weakest link in the chain the A/D converter.

Wynnd:
Love the gas gauge comparison.  I own my second Pacific Coast and the fuel gauge reads empty with about a gallon left to burn.  It's only a 4.2 gallon gas tank so that last gallon is very useful when riding cross country.  (There is no reserve valve.  When the tank is empty, it really is empty.)  Both motorcycles fuel gauges read just about the same.  When the fuel gauge needle is pointing to the fuel pump's hose, you had better find gas quickly. I'm sure there are many people who need much higher accuracy then I do.  They probably aren't looking at this mixer and are much more likely to look at mixers costing $5K or much more.   Thanks for the info anyway.  Might be important to me at some point.  (When was the last time a live band utilized more than 30 db of dynamics?)

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