Mackie 1604-VLZ4 User Manual - Page 22

1604VLZ4 48. Meters The 1604VLZ4's peak metering system is made up of two columns of twelve LEDs. Deceptively simple, considering the multitude of signals that can be monitored by it. If nothing is selected in the source [42] matrix, and no channels are in solo [27], the meter display will just sit there. To put them to work, you must make a selection in the source matrix (or engage a channel's solo switch). Why? You want the meter display to reflect what the engineer is listening to, and as we've covered, the engineer is listening either to the control room output or the headphones. The only difference is that while the listening levels are controlled by the CR/phones [43] knob, the meter display reads the source mix before that control, giving you the real facts at all times, even if you're not listening at all. When the solo mode [44] switch is set to PFL (down), all soloed signals will be sent to the left meter only. That, combined with the level set LED [45], are along the path of­ e­ nlightenment known as the level-setting p­ rocedure (page 5). D­ uring AFL mode, the meters will b­ ehave normally. 43 Meters vs. Reality You may already be an ­expert at the world of "+4" (+4 dBu=1.23 V) and "-10" (-10 dBV=0.32 V) operating levels. Basically, what makes a mixer one or the other is the relative 0 dB VU (or 0 VU) chosen for the meter display. A "+4" mixer, with a +4 dBu signal pouring out the back will actually read 0 VU on its meter display. A "-10" mixer, with a -10 dBV signal trickling out, will read, you guessed it, 0 VU on its meter display. So when is 0 VU actually 0 dBu? Right now! At the risk of creating another standard, VLZ4 compact mixers address the need of both crowds by calling things as they are: 0 dBu (0.775 V) at the output shows as 0 VU on the meter display. What could be easier? By the way, the most wonderful thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from. Thanks to the 1604VLZ4's wide dynamic range, you can get a good mix with peaks flashing anywhere between -20 and +10 dB on the meter display. Most amplifiers clip at about +10 dB, and some recorders aren't so forgiving either. For best real-world results, try to keep your peaks between "0" and "+7." Please remember: Audio meter displays are just tools to help assure you that your levels are "in the ballpark." You don't have to stare at them (unless you want to). If you find that staring at the meters sends you into a hypnotic trance, please do not be alarmed. Just cut my lawn and polish my car every Tuesday. 42 44 48 45 22 1604VLZ4