Digi 001 output voltage confusion

[cordura21]

The manual says (page 30 of 'Getting Started with Digi 001'):

"Main Analog Outputs
....These outputs are balanced, +4 dBu line level

Analog Outputs 3-8
...These outputs are unbalanced, -10 dBu line level

Monitor Outpus
These outputs can be connected to powered speakers, a stereo power amp, or another stereo destination to monitor your mix. The monitor outputs play the audio that is routed to analog outputs 1 and 2. Analog output 1 material is routed to the left monitor output, and analog output 2 material is routed to the right monitor output. These analog outputs feature 24-bit digital-to-analog converters. You can control the output level of the monitor outputs with the Monitor Volume control. These connectors are balanced, 1/4" jacks."

From what I understand, the common voltage levels on audio equipment are +4 dBu and -10 dBV. Could it be that this machine has some -10dBu outputs, or do you think is am error in the manual?

Also, from the description of the Monitor Outputs, you can't tell what is the operational level of these. Does anybody know for sure?

Cheers, Andrés

 

[charger]

The monitor output carries the same signal as the main output, but since there is a volume control for the Monitor Output, the output level is continuously variable. For what it's worth I always use these outputs for my powered monitors if I'm not using a Mixer to control the volume level. I just keep my speakers on abotu 75% power, and adjust the volume using the Monitor Volume knob .

Outputs 3-8 default to -10, but you can set them to a pretty wide range in the software. I think it's Setups > Hardware > Other Options. There are even handy markings in the control panel to show you where to set the outputs for various settings like +4, etc.

 

[Shailat]

The monitor output carries the same signal as the main output, but since there is a volume control for the Monitor Output, the output level is continuously variable. For what it's worth I always use these outputs for my powered monitors if I'm not using a Mixer to control the volume level.

Just so you should be aware, When somebody brings in a 001 to the studio I use the main outputs and not the moniotor outputs
as - the main are more accurate. Try it for yourself and you'll hear it. All this is due to the volume control.

 

[cordura21]

Charger: the Setup->Hardware->Other Options thing is for the inputs, not for the outputs. Or am I missing something?

(BTW: I totally forgot that this thing has a 60Hz HP Filter, thanks for making me remember by sending me to that menu!)

What I don't get is this, and I know that it is because I don't understand the idea of operational levels really well.

You say that since there is a volume control knob, then the output is continuously variable. But arent the others also that way, with the only difference that instead of a hardware control they do it by software?

I never understood what does a +4dBu or -10dBV means, since I always thought these are voltage measures (actually, voltage ratios) and voltages sent depends on the volume you are choosing.
I kind of undestand that these levels refer to an "optimum" operational level, but I am not sure. BTW, if this is true, then how do you define an optimum operational level?

Cheers, Andrés

 

[charger]

You're right, it's the inputs. I must be on crack. The outputs are fixed at -10.

Shailat, I've used them both, and to me the difference is not noticeable. I've talked to the designers, and from my understanding the volume pot is pretty well-designed, apart from the weird stereo volume imbalance at very low levels. The differences I heard in tonal balance could all be attributed to changes in volume. When I run it through my mixer, I always use the main out though... 2 volume controls are redundant.