-=> Quoting Lee Jackson to All <=-
 LJ> At our studio, we have a DAL Card D+.  In the docs for the card, it
 LJ> mentions three possible settings for the input/output jacks:  +4, -10,
 LJ> and "consumer line level."  I have checked the docs for all of the
 LJ> other equipment in the studio, and have found nothing to guide me in
 LJ> setting up this aspect of the card.  So, for now, the card sits on the
 LJ> default "consumer line level" setting.
 LJ> How, pray tell, can I determine the best setting for this card, short
 LJ> of going to night school and taking lab/lecture classes in electronics?
 LJ> What is the real difference between the three settings, and what is
 LJ> ideal as far as they are concerned?
"Consumer line level" should be -10
Professional line level is +4
If your mixer is professional, it should be quietest with +4
The only difference between these levels is really a matter of noise.
The higher signal levels will be further above the noise floor of the
equipment, and that much less suceptible to EMI and RFI. If you have
to bring a -10 level up to +4, you must add gain, and this will 
amplify any noise present in the signal, along with the program
material.
 LJ> BTW, the mixer in use right now has no docs with it to assist me.  It
 LJ> is soon to be replaced by a Mackie 1402-VLZ, which might help, but that
 LJ> is a month or two down the road.
When you get the Mackie, you will want to use +4, but the 1402 also has
-10 inputs and outputs for consumer decks. Use the +4, unless you need
the line inputs for something else. Usually anything with RCA jacks is
-10 nominal, and 1/4" jacks on modern equipment are usually +4. What do
you have for a mixer now? Take care.
... If it's professional.............it ain't Peavey!
--- Blue Wave/DOS v2.30
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