Topic: [Solved] Fireface800 + ADI8-DS: different analog voltage levels?
Hello,
I recently changed my setup from two older Multifaces (the second used as an ADAT converter in disconnect mode for a total of 16 channels) to a Fireface 800 + ADI8-DS.
I noticed that the analog voltage levels are different on the FF800 and the ADI8. The ADI8 has almost 3dB more output than the FF800 and less input gain:
When I use a loopback cable to send a test signal from Output > Input on the same unit, the I/O levels match (minus the small headroom margin), but when I cross-patch between the FF800 <> ADI8, I get different levels.
Both manuals state that the output level is the same on both units (0dBFS @ +4dBu = +13dBu).
When I used the same setup with my Multifaces, the levels where spot on.
I temporarily connected a FF400 and the levels where the same as on the FF800.
Shouldn't be the levels on both units the same? What am I missing here?
Setup:
- both units set to +4dBu I/O levels
- when both units set to -10dBV, I get the same level difference
- test signal 1kHz sine wave @ -12dB on output
- TotalMix fully reset, all faders on 0dB
- used a balanced, known good cable directly on the back of the units (to rule out problems with the console, patchbay or multicore cables)
- all 8 channels on both units behave the same
- ADI8: Process=off, Clock=Input, Combine=off, Copy Mode=off
- Mac Pro 2012, MacOS 10.14
(Of course I can compensate at least the output level difference by lowering the ADAT Outs in TotalMix, but still curious to know if this level difference is to be expected)
Best regards
Lars