SPL Frontliner Modular Recording Channel - Manual (Page 17)

17
Frontliner
LINE GAIN/INSTR. GAIN
This control determines the level of preamplification for signals connected either to the rear
LINE IN or to the INSTRUMENT input on the front. You activate the respective input with the
INSTR./LINE IN switch which is described below.
Gain range for line signals reaches from -20 dB to +10 dB. The attenuation allows to also
process very high levels.
Instrument signals can be amplified between +6 dB and +43 dB.
LINE GAIN and INSTR. GAIN adjustments
For optimal leveling of line or instrument signals, deactivate all processing modules and set the
OUTPUT level control to 0 dB (12 o’clock position). The VU meter’s 0 dB/-10 dB switch should be
set to 0dB to see the correct output level (also see “0 dB/-10 dB” on page 23).
Now turn up the LINE GAIN/INSTR. GAIN control until the VU shows maximum values between
0 dB and +3 dB. There is still enough headroom to prevent clipping at varying input levels.
Note that the VU meter shows average levels instead of peak levels (which can be up to 10 dB
higher). If necessary, switch the VU to PPM mode to see peak levels (see “VU/PPM switch” on
page 23).
Levels between 0 and +3 dB usually are safe. Attenuate very high input levels with the LINE GAIN
control. Switch the VU meter to -10 dB display mode to extend the metering range accordingly.
INSTR./LINE IN
With this switch you select between the microphone (off) and line or instrument inputs (on).
The rear mic and line inputs can remain connected, regardless of which input is selected. You
can choose the line input as source as long as the instrument input is not being used.
TUBE + 15 dB
The TUBE +15 dB switch increases the degree of tube preamplification. The switch changes
from standard tube preamplification (+6 dB) to +15 dB. In each setting the total output
level of the preamp is automatically accommodated so that output levels do not have to be
re-calibrated when the tube is driven hotter – therefore MIC GAIN settings do not have to be
changed.
Engaging the TUBE +15 dB switch has an impact on the overall sound, as it directly changes
the sonic character of the tube. The higher the input level, the more you will notice the effects
of the tube’s typical even harmonic distortion.
Driving the tube with +15 dB creates subtle to modest presence effects which can put the
signal up front in a mix. For decent effects you should not apply too high MIC GAIN values with
the TUBE +15 dB switch engaged.
Control Elements
Preamplifier
INSTR.
LINE IN
TUBE
+15 dB
INS
TR. GAIN
LINE GAIN
6
8
1
1
1
4
1
7
1
9
2
1
23
25 26 27 29 3
2 3
5 3
7 3
9 4
1 4
2
4
3
-20
-1
8
-
12
-9
0
3
9
10
dB
INSTR.
LINE IN
TUBE
+15 dB