NewTek 3Play 330 - Manual (Page 66)

Page 60
AUDIO TYPE (DROP-DOWN)
The optional audio connection types are:
1. Analog Audio – Utilizes the four inputs in the Analog Audio In section on 3P LAY ’s front
2. Digital Audio – Utilizes the two inputs in the Digital Audio In section on 3P LAY ’s front for
AES3 (AES/EBU) digital audio sources
For SDI video sources (only), an additional option is added to the drop-down list, so that it
includes:
3. SDI Embedded Audio - Digital audio streams from an SDI source, embedded in the digital
video stream
Note: If Video Connection is “SDI” but no valid video source is connected, neither digital nor analog
audio will be heard for that input.
LEVEL
The Level knob allows the operator to trim audio gain to suit various audio sources. The VU
meters (located next to the video stream monitors on the Desktop) help you adjust audio levels
for recording and transmission. Each calibrated vertical strip can show the level for either one or
two audio channels; when 4 input channels are supplied, the levels for channels 1 and 3 are
superimposed (not ‘summed’) on the left meter, while the right meter displays channels 2 and 4.
3P LAY ’s VU meters are calibrated in dB FS units. The dB FS notation stands for “Decibels, Full
Scale.” In digital equipment, 0 dB FS is the maximum value for quantization purposes, and thus
properly sits at the top of the VU scale. To allow comfortable headroom for normal audio variance
and unexpected peaks, various international organizations suggest either -20 (SMTPE) or -18 dB FS
(EBU) as the Alignment Level (representing a reasonable or typical level).
Note: 3P LAY conforms to the professional -20dB FS SMPTE specification for digital audio. This means
its reference level is 20dB below Full Scale (often referred to as +4dBu reference level and
corresponding to 1.23v RMS). If you like, you can take advantage of that headroom to achieve the
highest dynamic range and lowest signal-to-noise ratio possible when recording with 3Play.