Soundcraft Mini Stagebox 16 User/Installation Guide 0813
8
WORKING SAFELY WITH SOUND
Although your new unit will not make any noise until you feed it signals, it has
the capability to produce sounds which when monitored through a PA system or
headphones can damage hearing over time.
The table below is taken from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration
directive on occupational noise exposure (1926.52):
PERMISSIBLE NOISE EXPOSURE
DURATION PER DAY,
HOURS
SOUND LEVEL dBA
SLOW RESPONSE
8
90
6
92
4
95
3
97
2
100
1.5
102
1
105
0.5
110
<0.25
115
Conforming to this directive will minimise the risk of hearing damage caused by
long listening periods. A simple rule to follow is — the longer you listen, the lower
the average volume should be.
Please take care when working with your audio. If you are manipulating controls
which you don’t understand (which we all do when we are learning), make sure your
monitors are turned down. Remember that your ears are the most important tool of
your trade, look after them, and they will look after you.
Most importantly — don’t be afraid to experiment to find out how each parameter
affects the sound — this will extend your creativity and help you to get the best
results.
Recommended headphone impedance is 50-600 ohms.