It has been a while since I've posted a thread, as I have had my Sonar 8.5/UA-101 for about 1.5 years now, and have a pretty good handle on basic recording. One thing I would like to clarify though is what impact the input level has, on my recording. The switch on the back of the interface has the option to go between +4 db and -10 db. What exactly does this control, and how does it affect my overall sound quality and/or recording volume? Thanks. Brian.

Which setting you choose depends on what devices are providing signal to the interface. For microphones plugged directly into the interface, it doesn't matter. If you're using a mic preamp, the setting will be determined by the output of the preamp, which will be specified as (or switchable between) +4 or -10.

In either case, this setting will have very little impact on overall sound quality. In either case, your prime directive is to make sure you're not clipping the signal.

Looking at the picture that's actually a great set up. Most interfaces would be pre set. Channels 3-8 are for running from another audio device or the output of a synth. There are no pre amps involved.Like Bit say's, look at the output of the device you are using and see what is say's as a starting point. 
The front 2 channels( 1&2 ) are for mikes or Direct from a guitar or bass which need a pre amp to give you a fuller tone. An acoustic electric  guitar plugged into channel 3 might sound thin.  

The best way to set input levels is to set up some sort of VU metering on a track and input monitor the track so the VU will show you what the incoming rms level of the signal actually is. 

Once a VU meter is setup you need to choose a reference level. eg -12, -14 or -20 dB FS which gives you a 0 dB VU meter reading when the ref level is reached.

Then you don't have to worry about any setting on your interface. They are simply taken care of. eg if your interface is set to -10 and you are sending in a much higher signal then the VU will overload and you will see that and hence reset the interface to say +4 instead. And if your interface is set to +4 and you are sending in a level that is much lower than that then the VU will barely move so that means you have to change the input sensitivity settings accordingly to -10 to bring the VU back up to FS again. Of course you also have to fine tune the input gain settings to achieve the correct level as the input signal is coming in during the level setting procedure.

Unless you can directly monitor what the input level (on your track that is) is you will always be chasing your tail regarding input sensitivity settings on your interface. 

Just another way to go about it.

The concept I am going on about here is simply meter your incoming signal and let that guide you as to how to set the interface. And rms metering is better still and much easier to see and adjust.

bluesguy996


It has been a while since I've posted a thread, as I have had my Sonar 8.5/UA-101 for about 1.5 years now, and have a pretty good handle on basic recording. One thing I would like to clarify though is what impact the input level has, on my recording. The switch on the back of the interface has the option to go between +4 db and -10 db. What exactly does this control, and how does it affect my overall sound quality and/or recording volume? Thanks. Brian.

The +4dBu and -10dBv switch is for the "line level" 1/4" inputs 3 through 8 on the rear panel only.


Do you use the line level inputs?



The mic inputs aren't effected by the switch.

The hi-Z input on the front is for a Guitar or Bass or old hi-z Microphone... it's not effected by the switch.

The line inputs on the front, 1 and 2 are +4dBu... they are not effected by the switch.




So, why the switch? 

+4dBu is the nominal signal level for "pro" grade gear. If you are hooking up some connections to the back and they are coming from "pro" gear the +4dBu gives the best match. Examples of gear like this can be a small mixer or a rack mounted effects box.

-10dBv  is the nominal signal level for home entertainment grade gear. If you are hooking up some connections to the back and they are coming from entertainment gear the -10dBv gives the best match. Examples of gear like this might be a CD player or a Stereo Receiver.


The switch allows you get the best match with your other gear. You may have a mixer in plugged in one pair of inputs and a CD player in the other. The switch allows for the greatest practical headroom on each channel while allowing for the least amount of added noise in the output.

You can use the switch incorrectly and use other adjustments to make it all seem to work ok... but if you get using the switch for it's intended use it will be even easier to dial in a nice signal level with a minimum of thought.



best regards,
mike

Thanks so much. I mainly use use just the front 2 inputs, so it sounds like I am ok there. I have used the back inputs (3-8) only a couple of times while micing drums,with an outboard Roland digital DAW being used as a "mixer" to allow more channels. I will heed this advice, and experiment a little when using the extra inputs. Cheers, Brian.