• Registered: 2020-09-19
  • Posts: 4

Topic: XLR and RCA output issue

Hello,

Hope everyone is safe during these times.

My sincere apologies if this has already been discussed.

I got my device today and hooked it up to my existing monitors. I have connected my Genelec 1029A monitors to the DAC, using the XLR outputs on the DAC and XLR inputs on my monitors, but using the "AUTO REF LEVEL" the reference level has been adjusted to -5dbu, which according to the manual is for an RCA connection.

I dont understand why the reference level is optimised for a RCA connection when this is a XLR connection.

Any input on the same would be greatly appreciated.

Thankyou

2 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2020-09-19 21:25:09)

  • KaiS
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2020-02-05
  • Posts: 3,178

Re: XLR and RCA output issue

"Auto Reference Level" works after the DAC, in the analog domain.

It always selects the level that makes best use out of the DAC's dynamic range.
If you listen low level, it goes for the lowest reference.
If you dial up louder it will switch to the next higher step.


XLR, balanced, has double voltage because it consist of two active lines, therefore can reach twice as high levels compared to the single active line, unbalanced RCA.

If XLR had the same level as RCA it couldn't play out it's full advantage.


Don't worry, use "Auto Reference Level", with the Genelec 1029's, you will almost never need higher then the lowest, but if, it's there without the need to take any action.


Auto Reference Level is one of the really clever features of the ADI-2 line.

KaiS's Website

  • Registered: 2020-09-19
  • Posts: 4

Re: XLR and RCA output issue

thank you @Kais