Standalone MediaPort 200
Gain Structure
Proper gain structure is essential to achieving optimal performance from the MediaPort 200
and related equipment. Refer to the Extron white paper,
Audio Gain Structure for Pro AV
, for detailed information.
NOTE:
To view the white paper, an Extron Insider account is required.
Extron Product Control Software (PCS) is used to set gain structure on the MediaPort 200.
From the
Audio Configuration
(
1
) tab pictured in figure 78
below, each of the
tabs (
2
) controls a different gain stage for each input and output on the MediaPort 200.
Figure 78.
Extron PCS Audio Configuration Tabs
Input Tab
Setting proper input gain is fundamental to any audio device, and therefore, the
Input
tab
is placed first in the
Audio Config
section of PCS. The MediaPort 200 uses digital peak
meters, referenced to 0 dBFS, or “full scale.” Ideal input gain allows the level to approach
0 dBFS without going over. Signal beyond the level of 0 dBFS will clip and experience
undesirable distortion.
In order to achieve this optimal level without clipping, a strong yet safe target signal level
must be established. To derive a dBu equivalent on the MediaPort peak meter referenced to
0 dBFS, the MediaPort max input level of +21 dBu must be considered. Subtracting
17 dB from +21 dBu gives us +4 dBu. Therefore, −17 dBFS on the MediaPort input meters
is the approximate equivalent to +4 dBu.
With −17 dBFS as a target, the average audio signal will be −17 dBFS while varying
approximately ±10 dB above or below that level. That would put the strongest, or “hottest”
signal at about −6 to −8 dBFS. This is a safe level for program or microphone signals. See
on page 51 for more information.
Mix Tab
When input gain is properly set, all listening levels can be set and run-time operation can
then be performed from the
Mix
tab. Line inputs and USB communications levels have
a range of −100 to +12 dB. While there may be cases where extra gain is needed, it
is recommended to avoid going above 0 dB in the
Mix
tab as this may cause clipping.
The
Mix
tab contains a
Room Volume
control, which may be the only control that needs
adjustment once other controls are properly set (see
information).
figure 78.
Extron PCS Audio Configuration Tabs
MediaPort 200 • Standalone Application Setup
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