VOLUME
The Volume knob sets the level of the incoming signal. When an instrument is plugged into the Fishman
Dual Parametric D.I., its signal may be too weak or too overpowering. If the signal is too weak, it needs
boosting to overcome any noise inherent in downline equipment. If a signal is too "hot," the result is clip-
ping, a type of distortion that-as its name implies-results from the tops of the waveforms being cut off
because the circuitry can't accommodate such high levels.
Turning the Volume knob clockwise increases the gain, while turning it counterclockwise
reduces it. When the Volume knob is at its 3 o'clock position, it is at its 0dB, or unity-
gain, position, meaning that it is neither adding nor subtracting level.
Setting an appropriate volume level is easy. Make sure that your instrument is providing
its best signal. If a pickup passes through a preamp with a level or gain control, set its
control close to 0dB, or perhaps a little higher. Electric guitars and electric basses are
often operated with their volume wide open, so that's a good setting to use. For electronic keyboards or
other gear, a little experimenting is in order.
SET YOUR LEVELS:
1. Set the Dual Parametric D.I.'s volume to its 3 o'clock position.
2. Adjust the output from your instrument to a normal level (check its manual if you're not sure of a prop-
er level).
3. Play as hard or as loud as you normally would, turning the Dual Parametric D.I.'s Volume control clock-
wise until the Clip/Lo Batt LED glows.
4. Continue playing hard, and reduce the Dual Parametric D.I.'s Volume until the Clip/Lo Batt LED only
glows momentarily when you play your absolute hardest. (If you hear distortion, turn the Volume con-
trol counterclockwise until it disappears; check that the input level control on the equipment receiving
the Dual Parametric D.I.'s output isn't set too high, as well.)
CLIP / LO BATT LED
This dual-purpose LED tells you when the signal you plug into the Dual Parametric D.I. is too "hot," and
when the battery in the Dual Parametric D.I. is getting low. If an incoming signal has too high of a level
and the Dual Parametric D.I.'s Volume control is set too high, then the Clip/Lo Batt LED will glow, indicat-
ing that the signal is so strong that it is distor ting. This tells you to (1) lower the output level from the
equipment sending its signal to the Dual Parametric D.I. and (2) turn the Volume control on the Dual
Parametric D.I. counterclockwise to reduce the gain.
The low-battery indicator function operates like this: When a battery's voltage drops below 7 volts, then
the LED turns on. This typically means that the Dual Parametric D.I. will operate normally for at least an
hour before the battery is drained. It's a good idea to change the battery when the LED glows-no point in
waiting until it goes completely drained.
NOTE: If you are using an AC adapter, the Clip/Lo Batt LED only functions as a clipping indicator.
EQ / PREAMP / DIRECT BOX
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