Radial Engineering WORKHORSE 500 SERIES, Руководство пользователя, Страница: 11 / 16

Powerstrip™ Power Rack
True to the Music
®
Radial Engineering Ltd.
SIGNAL FLOW AND LEVELS
Because the Powerstrip is modular, it can accept a multitude of different devices into it’s card
slots. This also means that you need to understand the signal fl ow so that you can be sure
what you want to do will work. In the world of audio there are basically four low level signal
groups to contend with before you get to high power output levels such as those produced by
power amplifi ers to drive loudspeakers.
0dB
-10dB
-20dB
-50dB
+4dB
NOMINAL
ACOUSTIC
MIC / DI
WORKHORSE MIX BUSS
MIXER
1
2
3
4
1. MIC LEVEL RANGE: Microphones and direct boxes produce the weakest signals. These
typically range from -60dB to -40dB depending on type. Some such as ribbon microphones
can be as low as -70dB while condenser mics will generally be at the top end of this range. With
a Powerstrip, one would connect a microphone to a preamp like the PowerPre™. This would
elevate the mic-level signal to produce a +4dB line-level signal at the XLR output.
2. INSTRUMENT LEVEL RANGE: The output levels produced by instruments can range widely. A
single coil electric guitar can produce as little as -40dB while an electronic keyboard, sampler
or digital piano is capable of producing -10dB or more. For low level instruments, 500 series
modules like the JDV™ amplify the signal to produce a +4dB signal level at the XLR output for
direct recording.
3. UNBALANCED -10dB LINE LEVEL RANGE: Unbalanced outputs from CD players, keyboards,
mixers and home hi-fi components are usually specifi ed at -10dB and are often referred to as
consumer line-level. These connect to a mic preamp. If too loud, one simply engages a pad.
4. BA4dB LINE LEVEL RANGE: This is the professional line level that comes from a
recording system and is normally the level that in and out of EQs, compressors and so on. Most
500 series modules employ a +4dB signal level.
Matching the output level of one device to the input of the next will help you avoid distortion
and maximize signal-to-noise. For instance, using a +4dB output to drive a -10dB input could
overload the input and cause distortion. Conversely, a -10dB output may not have enough
gain to drive the input of a +4dB device resulting in a higher noise fl oor.
Because each of the Powerstrip slots is equipped with a balanced line level input and a
balanced line level direct output (depending on the module), you are pretty much free to
interconnect modules or route signals to other devices using standard XLR patch cables.
Once you start working with the Powerstrip, you will quickly come to understand all of the
capabilities and how easy it is to use.
8