impedance question +4 or -10

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Dr Shock

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I am using a Mackie 8 bus with a RME hammerfall DSP 9652 sound card. The inputs and outputs that go into the sound card are unbalanced , but can be run at +4 or -10...I can send and receive either +4 or -10 from the Mackie 8 bus mixer. Would it be best to run at -10 or +4 ?

thanks

Dr Shock
 
Im not an expert at this but i think for inputs the -10 or +4 has to do with their sensitivity to volume. if you set it to -10 you mixer will require less power from the input itself. someone hear assuredly knows more than me though. I set my ins to -10 and my outs to +4
 
Shocks,

> Would it be best to run at -10 or +4 ? <

Use +4, though this has nothing to do with impedance. But it will reduce noise and probably reduce hum too.

--Ethan
 
As Ethan said, this has nothing to do with impedance. You are simply selecting the operating level of your equipment. If you are only using the board and the card, set them for +4. This helps keep the noise down and since you are running unbalanced, this is a good thing.
If you are trying to interface with other outboard gear that is -10 only (stuff that doesn't have a switch that gives you the choice) then you would want to run your setup at -10. That way you avoid gain staging problems.
 
If the signal coming from a mixing board is a little hot, but for what ever reason you cannot change that, is +4 or -10 better for bringing the signal down a bit?

Or am I way off here?
 
You need to set all your equipment for the same thing. The switches are so you can match the operating levels of your equipment. If the signal coming out of your board is too hot, turn it down.
 
Dr Shock.
just a little history from what i remember/understand for your info of +4 and -10.
The + 4 standard originally was implemented many decades ago in the telephone industry i believe. Then as big recording studios became established - the equipment standard of +4 was adopted.
probably because some engineers moved from the telephone to the recording industry.
Then the home recording industry and equipment phase commenced by people like tascam and others. generally -10 was adopted at that time in order to lessen cost i believe to the end consumer.
so today there is a choice of +4 or -10.
mayber others have more to add. google will yield further details of both standards.
 
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