ALLEN & HEATH XONE 02, Service Manual

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10 XONE:02 Service Manual
Gain and Operating Levels
It is most important that the system gain and level settings are correctly set. It is well known
that many DJs push the gain to maximum with meters peaking hard in the belief that they
are getting the best from the system.
THIS IS NOT THE CASE ! The best can only be
achieved if the system levels are set within the normal operating range and not allowed to
peak. Peaking simply results in signal distortion, not more volume. It is the specification of
the amplifier / speaker system that sets the maximum volume that can be achieved, not the
console. The human ear too can fool the operator into believing that more volume is
needed. Be careful as this is in fact a warning that hearing damage will result if high
listening levels are maintained. Remember that it is the QUALITY of the sound that pleases
the ear, not the VOLUME.
Use the LEVEL control to match the input source to the normal operating level of the
console. Adjust this so that the CUE METER averages 0dB with loudest moments reading
+6. Listen to the signal on headphones. Adjust the VCA MASTER LEVEL so that it
normally operates near the top of its travel. Make sure the amplifier/speaker system has
been correctly calibrated for the loudest volume required at the channel fader top position.
Boosting the EQ also adds gain to the system. Reduce by turning back the LEVEL control if
the meter red peak LEDs flash. Adjust the HEADPHONES and BOOTH monitor controls for
safe listening levels.
The diagram illustrates the operating range of the
audio signal.
NORMAL OPERATING RANGE . For normal music
the signal should range between –6 and +6 on the
meters with average around 0dB. This allows
enough
HEADROOM for unexpected peaks before
the signal hits its maximum CLIPPING voltage and
distorts. It also achieves the best SIGNAL-TO-
NOISE-RATIO by keeping the signal well above the
residual NOISE FLOOR (system hiss). The
DYNAMIC RANGE is the maximum signal swing
available between the residual noise floor and
clipping. The
XONE:02 provides a massive 108dB
dynamic range.
A final note … The human ear is a remarkable
organ with the ability to compress or ‘shut down’
when sound levels become too high. Do not
interprete this natural response as a reason to turn
the system volume up further ! As the session wears on ear fatigue may set in, and the
speaker cones may become hot so reducing the effectiveness of the system and listeners to
gain any benefit from increased volume.
BE SENSIBLE, BE SAFE WITH SOUND LEVELS