D&R CinemIX, Owner'S Manual

Page: 22 / 161

2.26 METERING
Master metering
The Cinemix has a total of six VU meters above the master section in the
meterbridge. Analog VU meters will indicate the average level in the signal
paths.
A separate
Phase meter indicates any phase shift between the left and right
signals. In most cases, switching the phase switch on selected input modules can
correct the phase shift.
Mono and Stereo module meters
Due to the extreme transients in digital recordings, Cinemix's " Peak " reading
channel meters have an extended range from -30dB up to a reading
of +6dB. The bottom LED on all D&R LED bargraph meters is an
indicator that the associated module is on. When first powering up,
always check all "
ON " LEDs under each meter.
If any " ON " LED is not lite, turn off the power supplies and call
D&R for service advice. Both mono and stereo input module meters
have peak ballistics with 13 segments. Cinemix's meters can be
switched (individually) to read the
CHAN nel section or MIX section
of each module locally.
The channel meters are a peak reading design and read 0dB when an
oscillator sine wave with a +4 dB output level is sent to the meter.
Measuring the +4 dB output level of the channel or master with a AC
voltmeter would give a 1.22 AC volt reading.
When monitoring the oscillator on analog VU meters, the VU meters
should read "0" when the channel meters are reading 0dB. We have
discontinued the habit of making peak reading meters to read -6 dB
down from the actual output level for corresponding VU meter
readings.
With more and more digital equipment being used for laying down
tracks, the actual level is of primary importance to know to avoid
digital overloads.
After all alignment procedures have been performed, playing program
material will show a difference in reading on the VU meters compared
to the peak reading ledbars in the channels.
Cinemix manual page: 22