I’m not sure whether this question would be better suited in the general discussions, but anyway.
I recently bought a CQ12T, and I am really impressed so far. One thing that is bothering me though, is how to set the input gain correctly. I am used to setting the gain to peak around -12 to -18 dB on my digital audio interface or my earlier Behringer digital mixer. This does not seem to work on the CQ12T. It is way too low. I noticed that the gain assistant sets the gain to peak at around +4 to 6dB. That is about where the signal turns from green to yellow. Audible clipping can only be heard at around +14 dB when the signal turns to red. I skimmed through the manual, but could not find any real answers. I guess it has something to do with unity gain, but I still don’t really get it.
I am sorry if this is a stupid question
Also, is it normal for the network to be unidentified when connecting the CQ12T to a laptop?
Have you tried using the Auto Set to see where the mixer wants the input gain to be? I use it to set my starting point then I adjust from there if needed.
Another thing I do sometimes is deliberately set the input gain a little higher than it should be then I’ll turn on the Auto Gain to automatically lower it to where it’s not clipping but still has a little headroom. Once it’s at a good level I turn the Auto Gain off.
Once you get used to where this mixer likes the input gain levels to be, it’s easier to set them manually.
I have found that compared to other mixers I have, the CQ has more headroom before clipping than you’d expect.
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I used the Auto Set feature of the Gain Assistant. That’s when I realized it sets the gain to peak around +4 to +6 dB. It is a nice feature and I will probably use it. At the same time I really don’t trust automatic features in all situations. Sure, it will probably work when setting up a vocal mic or an electric guitar. But, I’m not as certain it can correctly detect for example transients from a cymbal. That’s why I would like to get more details about how the input gain works.
I found some information about operating levels: https://support.allen-heath.com/hc/en-gb/articles/4403667037457-General-Gain-and-Operating-Levels
“An appropriate operating level is usually achieved between green and orange meter readings, which on our consoles is between 0dB and 6dB. If an input or output starts to peak, which on our consoles causes a red PK meter to be activated, then you are not at a safe operating level.”
This seems to, at least in part, answer my question. But, I would still like someone more informed than me to give their two scents about how to set input gain correctly.
I read your reply in another thread about not leaving the Auto Gain feature on during the whole show. That was really helpful.
you’re looking at 2 different meter scales. +4 to +6 is a fine spot for things with a high RMS to peak ratio like guitars, keys, etc… Instruments with low RMS to peak ratio like drums, you’ll typically want peaking much higher than that. +12 is not uncommon.
Thank you! This explains my confusion. Is it possible to change scales, or do I have to get used to this way of measuring gain? I would like to be able to know more exactly when a signal clips. I am used to 0dB being that limit and set my input gain accordingly.
you can’t change the scale per se… however, you can change the colour characteristics.
0dB on CQ meters is -18dBFS
As far as clipping goes, keep the clip light off and you’ll be fine.
Just to mention, you might rethink your former trained approach.
Gain at -18dB means you have a very high Input Signal. But when the autogain in the CQ detects much higher gainlevel, this means you have a regular Input Level.
So you have been wrong with your Gain structure on the other Mixers.
I would assume the Output Level then was much to high.
The autogain Funktion is not a fuzzy sophisticated Tool. It does what sound engineers learn in the First two lessons in class: bring the Gain near to the Best workingpoint of the mixers preamp.
In older times, they did by listening, when clipping comes up. Than the designers added an LED. Later we had a row of LEDs. An now autogain.
So never see these numbers as an absolut value for the Noise. And trust the automatic gain Setting on the CQ. The A&H engineers know their electronics better than we do.
I agree with this. At least on the CQ, I have found that the gain assistants, Auto Set and Auto Gain, will teach you exactly how your input gains should be set. Once you have learned from the mixer itself you can then do it manually.
