Establishing accurate line level with our initial gain structure requires a RMS setting for the meter, not peak level. What is the default 20b meter setting?
Hugh
Not 100% sure but comparing the meters btw the CQ and reaper playing a tone into a CQ input, CQ meter is following the RMS setting.
Thank you for the prompt reply: A&H should have provided this critical info but I think they are relying on “auto Gain staging” for novice beginners.
I am primarily an A/V studio producer/engineer. The biggest problem in post production that ultimately can create problems even in mastering is not getting the initial front end analog gain staging cirrectly set at +4 DBu (line level). Every console, including the great little dumbed down CQ20b that I use for quick set up solo gigs, is optimized to function @ Line level +4 DBu. When the meter is reading peak scale it will be APX 10 db short of required RMS 0 or +4DBu. The matching DBFS (digital Full Scale) is -18 DBFS. When analog gain line level is correctly established from the start all embilishment for EQ, dynamics, reverb and all other plug-ins will function better.
Please remember that “Trim” is a post a/d conversion level adjustment and should never be a substitute for initially establishing correct analog gain.
Hugh