On 04-19-96 Lee Jackson wrote to All... 
 
 LJ> mentions three possible settings for the input/output jacks:  +4, -10, 
 LJ> and "consumer line level."   
  
Now I'm confused, because I always refered to -10dbv as consumer  
line level.  
 
In any case, this has to do with the reference level of the card.  
+4dbV is a normal Pro line level, that means that all of the meters 
are on 0 at a level of +4dbv.  This is the level that I run all of my 
studios at.  By the way db is Decibels, and the v stands for voltage  
referenced. In days gone by they would refer to it as dbm, which stood  
for decibels ref to 1 milliwatt into a 600 ohm load. also in those days 
it was very important to make sure your source and load impeadences  
were correct.  In todays world of Voltage referance were using low Z 
(impeadence) outputs with high Z inputs, thus the reason for  
referencing voltage as opposed to milliwatts. 
 
So to answer your question if your in a professional studio it should 
probably be set at +4, if your operating in a home studio -10 is more 
likely the propersetting.  Quick hint if the jacks are RCA pin jacks 
use -10, if the're XLR or wire connections it's normally +4.  But be  
aware most any studio can be set up either way. so it depends on how 
the studio is set up.  If your the one setting up the studio I would 
suggest you get some assistance from someone familiar with properly 
leveling a studio, since it is VERY critical if you want quality 
output. 
 
That was the very short course.. 
 
Alan (Radio Engineer) 
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