Sound-devices 302 User Manual download pdf (Page 22)

302 User Guide and Technical Information

v. 3.6 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.

Advanced Gain Structure and Interconnection

The 302’s unique output attenuator circuit is adjusted in the Setup Menu. This can be thought of as

a master gain control which comes after the 302’s output meter. This circuit allows the user to match

the 302’s output level to any recording device. When properly set, the dynamic range of the system is

maximized and the 302’s meters will “match” the recorder’s meters.

For simple interconnection the following three setting are identical to setting the output switch on

the 442 mixer to “Line”, “Tape”, or “Mic.”. 0 dB – Line , 10 dB – Tape , 40 dB – Mic .

However, to tailor the 302’s outputs exactly to the recording device, the 302’s output can be

attenuated from full line-level in 2 dB steps from 0 to 16 dB (line/tape levels), then in 2 dB steps from

40 to 56 dB (mic levels). So if 40 dB of attenuation is “too hot” for a given device’s mic input, the

attenuator could be set to 50 dB or more.

When interconnecting the 302 to any recording device, the best way to set the level between them is

to match the 302’s output clipping level with the recorder’s input clipping level. When this is done

and the recording device’s input gain controls are kept ﬁxed, two things will happen:

1. The dynamic range of the recording is maximized.

2. All level metering can be done via the 302’s meter.

The recorder’s level meter can be ignored since the only way for the recorder to clip is for the 302

to clip. The 302’s meters match the recorder’s meters in that the clip points match. Because most

recorder’s meter ballistics and scale are different, it is impossible to make the 302 meter exactly

match a given recorder’s meter. However, this is irrelevant if the clip levels match.

Full Scale Tone

The following information is intended for users with advanced knowledge of interconnection and gain

structure.

To facilitate matching the clipping levels of the 302’s output to the recorder’s clip level, the 302

includes a full-scale tone output function. “Full scale” is the same as “clipping level.” To activate this

full scale tone, turn on the tone switch while in the Setup Menu –30 position. Be extremely careful

when doing this, as a full-scale tone is extremely loud and can hurt the operator’s ears. Make sure to

turn down the headphone level and the level going to any ampliﬁers, etc. from the 302.

The advanced way to set gain structure is as follows:

1. Connect 302’s XLR outputs to the recording device.

2. Enter Setup Menu (see The Setup Menu).

3. Turn down headphones and any ampliﬁers connected to the 302’s other outputs.

4. Turn on the tone oscillator via its switch.

5. Turn the recording device’s input gain control to its detented point (or half-way if no detent).

6. Adjust the 302’s output level via the up/down buttons until the recorder is just shy of

clipping as indicated on its meter.

7. If the 302’s Output level is at 0 dB and the recorder is not to its clip level, increase the

recorder’s gain control until it is to the clip level.

8. Fix the recorder’s gain controls with tape so that they do not get bumped.

9. Exit the 302’s Setup Menu by pressing the PK/VU switch until the startup sequence happens.

Note: The Setup Menu must be exited in this manner or else the setting will not be saved.

10. It is recommended that the 302’s limiters be turned on at all times, as they will not activate

until just before clipping.

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Sound-devices 302 User Manual Page 22

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