NewTek TriCaster 40 - Manual (Page 44)

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Confusion can sometimes arise because different calibration scales are common in various audio realms and
even for different device types and software. Typical analog mixers show levels on VU scales indexed in dB VU,
which places the nominal operating level at 0dB. In contrast, editing software and digital devices commonly
display levels in dBFS (Full Scale) indexing, with 0dBFS – the maximum signal that can be recorded – at the top of
the scale.
TriCaster’s VU meters have user-configurable indexing, and default to showing analog inputs
using a traditional dB VU scale, and meters for digital sources calibrated in dB FS. The
calibration shown for any individual meter can be changed to suit a need or preference.
Click the label above the current scale to open a small menu offering three options as
follows:

dBVU – most familiar to users of typical analog audio mixers

dBFS – dB ‘Full Scale’ – the digital standard; see notes under the heading.

dBu – based on a voltage of 0.775 VRMS (a shy scale rarely seen in public, supplied for completeness,
comparison, and the amusement of audiophiles)
Whatever scale you choose to use for your different VU meters, the key thing is to use Volume controls (and, for
the Mic input, the Gain control) to avoid over-modulation.
OUTPUT CONTROLS
Each of the audio sources discussed earlier provides its own contribution to TriCaster’s audio output mix.
Settings in the output control panels in take effect downstream from all sources, further governing audio levels
sent to TriCaster’s different output sections, including headphones and the Internet stream.
MASTER (AND PHONES)
The main Program outputs (labeled PGM on TriCaster’s faceplate) are controlled by the Gain knob and Balance
control in the Master sub-panel, located at far-right in the Audio Mixer tab. Just above this is a simple level
control for the Phones output.
Hint: Shift + double click Gain knobs to restore their default values (0dB).
STREAM
The Stream sub-panel provides a method of independently adjusting (stereo) audio levels sent to the network
when streaming is enabled. An important addition to this control group is the Source drop-down menu. This
allows you to supply sound to the Streaming output exclusively from one of the following selections:

DDR – audio from the DDR output is sent to the streaming output.

GFX 1 or 2 –audio from the corresponding player is sent to AUX output connectors.
Figure 69