• jwar1
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Topic: Fireface UCX -10dBV input with +4dBu gear output

Hello all,

Tried searching and reading but I've some difficulties getting a clear answer :

I've hooked a Virus TI 2 Keyboard with TRS jacks to my Fireface UCX.

The virus ti 2 specs : 6 balanced outputs with +4 dB level and soft limiting algorithm.

If i set the Fireface UCX input (Gain 0) to +4dBu mode, the input signal of the Virus with volume set to max, is quiet hitting around -15 max. If i set the input to -10dBV the signal is hotter, hitting around -6 max.

Would recording the virus TI2 signal in -10dBV mode have any negative impact on the recording quality ?

Thanks.

2 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2024-11-16 19:16:56)

  • ramses
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Re: Fireface UCX -10dBV input with +4dBu gear output

According to technical specs (see manual, chapter 38.1) SNR is the same for all reference levels.
I would choose +4 dBu as ref level to get an input level of around -15 dBFS, then you have some headroom for recording and also for mixing and mastering. -6 dBFS is already too hot for a single track in a multi-track DAW project.

Furthermore, other patches / effects might produce an even higher output volume.

See also:
https://www.soundonsound.com/sound-advi … -recording

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

3 Reply by vinark (edited by vinark 2024-11-16 19:23:24)

  • vinark
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Re: Fireface UCX -10dBV input with +4dBu gear output

jwar1 wrote:

Hello all,

Tried searching and reading but I've some difficulties getting a clear answer :

I've hooked a Virus TI 2 Keyboard with TRS jacks to my Fireface UCX.

The virus ti 2 specs : 6 balanced outputs with +4 dB level and soft limiting algorithm.

If i set the Fireface UCX input (Gain 0) to +4dBu mode, the input signal of the Virus with volume set to max, is quiet hitting around -15 max. If i set the input to -10dBV the signal is hotter, hitting around -6 max.

Would recording the virus TI2 signal in -10dBV mode have any negative impact on the recording quality ?

Thanks.

Short answer, no loss in quality if there are are no overs. Longer answer, see Ramses above.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632
  • jwar1
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Re: Fireface UCX -10dBV input with +4dBu gear output

Thanks very much ramses and vinark for the info and links !