? about -10db and +4db mixer setup

[clevodrummer]

my mixer and tape deck are both -10db. I noticed the outputs on the mixer (stereo and group channel) both are @ +4 db. I am confused as to what that means as far as bussing out to a tape deck,etc. I would assume I setup the channel and main faders for an output of -10db. wouldnt +4 overload whatever inputs for gear at -10db? Thats what I am doing and having no problem. what is exactly does it mean when the outputs are @ +4 on -10db unit?

newbie question, I know....still wanna know the answer so I can sleep tonight...

thanks

 

[Tim Gillett]

As a general rule, no you shouldnt feed a +4 output into a -10 input.

But it depends. It depends on the headroom of the tape deck's inputs. It depends on where you set the tape deck's input faders. It depends on how much (if at all) the noise and hum coming from the higher output mixer send is ading to the tape machine's own hiss and hum on playback. And that in turn depends on the amount of hiss and hum your tape deck has. And that depends on the machine's state of maintenance, the tape type, tape speed, track width, and what, if any, NR you're using. Good NR can reveal noise in the mic, pre, mixer that would normally be covered by tape noise.

There are lots of variables but I guess the bottom line is, if the mismatch doesnt add extra noise or distortion for you in your situation then dont worry about it. But it's not the ideal.

Tim

 

[Farview]

You will just have to run the the mixer 11db quieter in order to keep the signal in the tape decks sweet spot.

It's 11db instead of 14db because the two different scales have a different zero reference.