dspMusik Naming Conventions
Input Levels:
Pro Audio +4 dBu
Balanced –4 dBV
5.75 dB Gain
Consumer –10 dBV
11.75 dB Gain
Balanced –16 dBV
17.75 dB Gain
Output Levels:
Pro Audio +4dBu
Consumer –10dBV
5.75 dB Attenuation (same level as Balanced –4 dBV)
Balanced –10dBV
11.75 dB Attenuation
Balanced –16dBV
17.75 dB Attenuation
On some displays, the levels may be labeled as +6 dB, +12 dB, etc for Inputs and –6 dB, -12dB etc for
Outputs.
When we are referring to Consumer Input and Output, the assumption is that we are wiring the cables in an
unbalanced configuration. For inputs, this means that we do not have an out of phase signal available for the
Cold input. A +4dBu (Pro) balanced signal is the nominal level between Hot and Cold. A –10dBV Consumer
level is the nominal level between Hot to Gnd.
The “Balanced” labels are expected nominal levels from Hot to Cold. A Balanced –10dBV signal would be
6dB lower than the Consumer –10dBV level since Hot to Gnd is only half of the signal.
It is also possible that a manufacturer decided that it would provide a balanced output where the level is
–4 dBV. This would allow the unbalanced circuit (leaving Cold disconnected) to be –10dBV. It would have
twice the voltage swing when the balanced wires are used. This means that the input circuit should have less
gain in this wiring configuration.
This is admittedly confusing. The good news is that if you are interfacing pro audio equipment, you just set
the levels to the Pro settings. If you are interfacing to most consumer equipment (RCA Phono) or PC
soundcards; make your cables as discussed above and use the consumer settings.
dspMusik™ 2/8 User Manual
Page 5
