18
ABOUT THE ANALOG OUTPUT LEVEL
Unlike in the analog world, digital technology uses a clearly defined
maximum level, described as 0 dBFs, or "zero
d
eci
B
els
F
ull
s
cale" in
clear text. From this maximum downward, signal levels are expressed
with a negative sign.
The
“translation“ of the digital level into analog is provided by the D/A
converter and is extremely flexible, whereby several standards have
established.
Professional broadcast facilities in Germany - i.e. radio and TV stations -
understand 0 dBFs as equivalent to +15 dBu analog level. In other
countries this may be handled differently.
Notabene, +15 dBu represent a voltage of 4.5 Veff which may exceed
the capabilities of many audio devices designed for a voltage swing of
1...2 volts. Therefore, the maximum output level of the DAC V850 can
be adapted by means of internal DIP switches. While factory-preset to
+15dBu, the maximum output level can as well be set to +24 / +18 / +15
/ +12 / +6 dBu (with level knob fully clockwise). For further details, see
appendix page 25.
The values above apply to the balanced outputs. Level at the
unbalanced outputs will be 9 dB lower, i.e. +15 / +9 / +6 / +3 / -3 dB.
Of course, all these settings are affected on the "active" side of the
circuitry, thus leaving output impedance completely unaffected. By
means of the active analog output adaptation to external conditions,
there are only negligible effects on overall performance... if at all !