M-AUDIO Fineline - Manual (Page 7)

Applications and Hints
Gain Settings
The gain provided when the Left and Right Level pots are turned all the
way up can help drive a power amplifier or boost a signal from -10 to +4
dB signal levels. For unity gain and the lowest mixer noise these pots
should be set to about 9 o’clock.
For lowest noise, most synthesizers volumes should be turned up to
almost full. When mixing a number of keyboards or modules the level of
the instrument with the lowest output should be set first, turning its vol-
ume up to full. The volume controls of the other units can then be adjust-
ed down from full to achieve the desired mix.
Using the Signal and Clipping Indicators
The Left and Right green Signal LEDs should light brightly for any line
level signal in the unit; a slight flicker would indicate the signal should be
turned up for optimum signal-to-noise ratio.
Since FineLine has lots of headroom, the Left and Right red Clipping LEDs
should light only when several very hot signals are mixed. If this hap-
pens, reduce several of your instrument volume levels slightly, until the
Clipping indicator ceases to light.
Similarly, when setting microphone levels, use the Mic Clipping LED to
set the Mic Level pots for strong signals that don’t clip. Remember, all of
the Mic input signals are summed together and then sent to the Mic LED
indicators. So if any one microphone is too hot, the Clipping LED will
light.
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