Correct input gain setting?

Loudest signal peaks at -18 to -12 dBFS digital, 0 VU analog. 12-18 dB headroom. Use PFL meter with performer at loudest level.

Why does high amp gain / low mixer increase noise?

High amp gain amplifies internal noise. Mixer sends weak signal with less margin above cable/amp noise. Run amp near max with strong mixer signal for best SNR.

How to find noisy stage?

Mute inputs, measure output. Remove stages from end one by one. Largest noise drop = primary contributor. Common: excess preamp gain, ground loops, clock noise.

Gain: amplification at a stage (trim). Volume: mixing level (fader). Set gain first for structure, then faders for balance without affecting noise characteristics.

Correct input gain setting?

Loudest signal peaks at -18 to -12 dBFS digital, 0 VU analog. 12-18 dB headroom. Use PFL meter with performer at loudest level.

Why does high amp gain / low mixer increase noise?

High amp gain amplifies internal noise. Mixer sends weak signal with less margin above cable/amp noise. Run amp near max with strong mixer signal for best SNR.

How to find noisy stage?

Mute inputs, measure output. Remove stages from end one by one. Largest noise drop = primary contributor. Common: excess preamp gain, ground loops, clock noise.

Gain: amplification at a stage (trim). Volume: mixing level (fader). Set gain first for structure, then faders for balance without affecting noise characteristics.

Gain Structure — Input to Output

Dynamic Range

Every device: noise floor to clipping. Professional: 110-120 dB. Goal: center signal in this window at every stage.

Input Gain

Most critical. Peaks at -18 to -12 dBFS digital or 0 VU analog. 12-18 dB headroom. Too low amplifies noise. Too high clips preamp.

Unity Through Processing

EQ, dynamics, effects maintain unity gain. Verify output after each processor. Makeup gain restores level after compression.

Amplifier Sensitivity

Fixed input (0.775-1.4V). Mixer must drive to rated power near max amp gain. Low amp gain = degraded SNR.

Digital

Nominal -18 to -20 dBFS. Digital clipping harsh. Internal 32/64-bit float has unlimited headroom but analog I/O still needs staging.