54
THRESHOLD’s are set all the way up to 0.0 dB. Note that once the first limiter has been set you can use the
COPY
/
PASTE
buttons to copy the settings to all other limiters. Also, turn off all VENU360 input EQs (speaker tuning EQs
should be left on), dynamics processing, and Sub Synth modules and ensure all “input” and “mid” Router and Mixer
module gains in the VENU360 are set correctly to provide unity gain – further adjustments can be made later in the
process once signal is fed through the system.
4�
The VENU360 has analog input and output clip level settings in the Utility menu. See
‘Analog Input/Output Clip
Levels’
for more information on these settings. These are used to adjust gain
stages in the analog domain (instead of in DSP) so that better signal-to-noise performance can be achieved. Go into
the Utility menu and adjust the ANALOG INPUT CLIP LEVEL settings to match the maximum output level of your mixer.
You should be able to find this spec in your mixer’s manual. If your mixer’s maximum output level spec doesn’t exactly
match one of the settings in the VENU360, set the VENU360’s ANALOG INPUT CLIP LEVELS to the closest setting
above the spec. For example, if your mixer has a maximum output level of 26 dBu, set the VENU360’s ANALOG INPUT
CLIP LEVEL to 28 dBu.
5�
Play the pink noise signal through the mixer. Raise the mixer’s main output faders until the mixer’s output clip indicators
just begin to light.
6�
Now go into the input Router/Mixer for the first VENU360 input channel. The goal is to get the VENU360’s inputs to
clip at the same point as the mixing console’s outputs. If using an input Mixer module in the VENU360, enter its menu
and calibrate the corresponding input channel’s gain until the clip indicator in the graph just begins to light. If using an
input Router, calibrate the Router’s master gain until the master clip indicator in the graph just begins to light. Repeat
this step for any additional inputs you are using on the VENU360. If using an input Mixer and mixing channels, you will
want to lower the master gain to compensate for the summing of the input Mixer channels (i.e., 6 db for two channels
and an additional 3 db for each additional channel being summed). This will maintain unity gain through the Mixer
module.
7�
Now, go to each amp channel and slowly raise its attenuator until the amp channel’s clip LED just begins to light.
TIP:
If any of your amp channels clip with the attenuators all the way down or you can’t turn them up very far before
clipping occurs, you will want to lower the corresponding analog output clip levels located in the Utility menu. See
for more information on these settings.
TIP:
Once all amp attenuators have been set, you may want to take note of their position using gaffers tape or
some other non-permanent means. This way you can retain the reference amp attenuator settings above which the
amplifiers will clip.
8�
Go into one of the VENU360’s limiter modules. Turn the limiter on and slowly lower the THRESHOLD parameter until
the corresponding amp channel’s clip LED stops lighting. Don’t lower the limiter THRESHOLD parameter too far, just far
enough to hold the signal level just below the clip point of the connected amplifier channel. Repeat this step for each
VENU360 output channel used in the system.
9�
Turn down the pink noise and main output faders on the mixer then power down the system.
10�
Reconnect your speakers to your amps.
11�
Power up the system, ensuring to power up your amps last.
The system is now optimized to provide the loudest levels possible, with adequate headroom between devices, and with the
least amount of noise. Now sit back, play your reference music through the system, and slowly raise your mixer’s main output
faders. When the mixer’s main faders are set to approximately unity gain (0), the system will now provide the highest sound
pressure level it is capable of without clipping. If the system is not loud enough when the mixer is set just below the output
clip point, this is an indication that the system is inadequate for the application. If this happens, you can try adding VENU360
compression with make-up gain as it may provide a slightly higher system output level. If the system level is still inadequate for
the venue, you may want to consider amplifiers with greater output power, but still within the power rating of your loudspeakers,
