Setting up the signal level, Operating the q2u – Samson Q2U Recording & Podcasting Pack (Gray) User Manual

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Using the Level Controls

The Q2U employs Up and Down Level controls,

which are normally used to control the level

of the internal headphone amp, however

the Level controls will adjust the volume of

whichever device (Q2U or internal sound card)

is set up as the output. If you set the Q2U as the

output device, the Level controls will adjust the

headphone output. If you select the any of the

computer’s internal soundcards as the output

device, the Level controls will adjust the output volume of computer via that device.
Now, use the Up and Down switches to raise or lower the volume respectively.

Setting Up the Signal Level

You can adjust the Q2U’s internal analog input gain stage by using your software

DAW or operating system. The purpose of the level, or gain controls are to optimize

the amount of good signal relative to any associated noise. A good mic or instrument

pre-amplifier, like the one inside Q2U, will also have a PEAK indicator to show when

the input signal is clipping. To set a good level on the mic, set the Q2U up in front of

the desired sound source and slowly raise the DAW’s or operating system’s input gain

control until you see the CLIP or Peak indicator light up. Then, turn the input trim

control down until the indicator does not light any more. Once you set the input level

control you shouldn’t need to change them during recording. Use the level controls on

the DAW to set the balance between the mic and stereo mix during playback.

Operating the Q2U