SP Studio Systems SP-12 - Manual (Page 55)

SAMPLING YOUR OWN SOUNDS
© E-mu Systems, Inc. 1985 Page 55
Enhanced by The Emulator Archive 2002 www.emulatorarchive.com
4B SETTING LEVELS PRIOR TO SAMPLING
There are two Sample module functions involved in level setting: VU Mode (SAMPLE
1) and Level (SAMPLE 3). The module’s GAIN control trims the record level, just like
the record level control on a tape recorder.
1. Plug the output of the sound being sampled (microphone, Synth drum output,
etc.) into the rear panel SAMPLE IN jack.
2. Activate the SAMPLE module; this automatically puts the SP-12 in VU mode
(SAMPLE 1). (If you select another SAMPLE function at some point, entering
the data for that function usually returns you automatically to VU mode.)
The left of the display’s top line will show the User Sound number where the
sample will be recorded; this defaults to the lowest available empty User
Sound number.
The right of the display’s top line will show the preamp gain setting, which
defaults to the last selected value (for a new SP- 12, this is +00 dB). +00 dB
is good for line level signals, +20 dB works for most electrified instruments,
and +140 is suitable for mic level signals. For the highest-quality recording,
we recommend using the +00 dB setting exclusively. If additional gain is
required, use a low noise outboard preamp.
The display’s bottom line is a moving-bar VU meter with “peak hold”,
which briefly “holds” the highest level attained. The VU meter may or
may not be showing any activity.
3. Play the sound to be sampled. Note the moving bar display in the lower line;
louder signals will kick the bars further over to the right. If the meter hardly
moves at all, turn up the GAIN control. If you cannot achieve sufficient gain to
get a good signal level, proceed to the next step.
If the meter bar hits the extreme right hand side, the SP-12 is being
overloaded. Turn down the GAIN control so that the peaks are below this
overload point. Generally, you will want to sample at the highest possible
level short of overload.
4. To select between the available preamp gains of +00 dB, +20 dB, and +40
dB, with the module active key in 3. Use the Right Arrow and Left Arrow
buttons to step through the three gain options. After making your selection,
press ENTER to return to VU mode. Check that the sound to be sampled is
now providing sufficient level to the SP-12.