POWER CORE User Manual
Version: V6.0.0/5
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9. Audio Mix Engine
9.3.2
AutoGain
AutoGain provides automatic input gain adjustment for microphone sources. When enabled, AutoGain measures
the input signal of a microphone over a period of 5 seconds, and sets the analogue gain of the mic pre-amp to
match the average input signal level. The feature is ideal for self-op studios, where the talent can level all
microphone signals easily and without understanding technical dB values, bargraphs and overloads.
To use AutoGain, the source must have an "AutoGain enable" button. Usually this is configured onto one of the
small MF Keys on the fader strip. In the example below, AutoGain (
AGn
) can be enabled/disabled for the first
two sources (
DJ
and
GST 1
) using MF Key 2b:
1
.
Press
AGn
to enable AutoGain and start the measuring process - you should do this while the talent is
speaking into the microphone at their intended "on-air" level.
Note that it is best to perform the measure
BEFORE
going live, as the signal may distort while AutoGain finds
the ideal level.
The console now measures the input signal level over a period of 5 seconds; during this time the
AGn
button
flashes to indicate that the measurement is taking place.
Once the measure is complete, the
AGn
button changes to steady state, and the analogue mic gain is set to
the "best" value, as determined during the measurement period relative the system's target level (defined in the
configuration).
AutoGain is now set and enabled, ready for your talent to speak on-air. The analogue mic gain will remain at the
same value until either a different value is loaded by a snapshot or AutoGain is reset.
2
.
Press
AGn
again to disable AutoGain - the button LED goes out. The analogue mic gain now reverts to
its pre-defined value, see
3
.
Press
AGn
again to re-enable and restart the measurement process.
In the configuration, use the
Source -> Parm
branch of the 'Tree
Definition') to programme the "AutoGain enable" button.
Defining the AutoGain Target Level
The AutoGain target level is defined in the "System -> Definition -> Parameter = Mic AutoGain" branch of the
'Tree Definition':
Parameter
Mic AutoGain – reference name for the element.
Target Level (dBr)
Enter the AutoGain target level in dBr. The default value is 0.