Lexicon Effects Processor I/O Level Set...Woooo!

[mark4man]

OK...

This makes no sense to me.

I'm bustin' the ceiling with my Effects Processor's minimal settings

I'm running the Lexicon MPX-500 w/ an Echo Audio LAYLA 24/96 PC AI. I'm looping my dry, prerecorded signal out of the Layla's 3/4 Outs...in & out of the Lexicon; & back into the Laya's 3/4 Ins (all balanced.)

I have the Layla's Nominal Output (for 3/4) set to +4dB.

I have the Lexicon's Input Trim fully counterclockwise.

I have the Layla's Nominal Input (for 3/4) set to +4dB.

These settings cause audible clipping in the recorded input signal within my DAW (SONAR XL) (& also visible within the meters both in SONAR & the Layla's Console.)

The Lexicon's User Guide states that the device's output level must be set at 0dB (Unity Gain, fully counterclockwise) , for an input device of +4dB.

What's the deal?

Of course, I can rectify the clipping problem by attenuating either the Layla's Ins or Outs; & then rolling the Lexicon's Input Trim up to just below peak...but then I'm not taking full advantage of the full dynamic range of the system, right?

The Lexicon does have a -12dB Output Level setting, but the User Guide states that is to be used with -10dB input device.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

mark4man

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

If the signal originating from the DAW is higher than about -15dBFS, then you can definitely be clipping the inputs on the Lexicon.

An analog signal at about 0VU at the +4dBu gain structure will read about -15dBFS.... so in sending a digital signal back that is far higher than -15dBFS, you are sending a signal several times stronger than the inputs of the Lexicon at the +4 can handle cleanly.....

 

[mark4man]

Bruce,

Thanks.

If true...why do you suppose it is recommended to be set up in this way?

OR, more importantly: the fix I mentioned (attenuation of Audio Interface In or Out) (at the beginning or end of the effects loop)...which one would be better; & why?

[But then...what about not taking advantage of the full dynamic range of the system (which is sort of a mute point if I'm clipping...), but then again, by inputting a -10dB signal back into the DAW to be recorded...aren't I pushing up the noise floor when I push that -10dB signal back up near 0dBFS for recording?]

Thanks,

mark4man

BTW - How's everything at BlueBear?

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Things are good - busy!

What you're encountering is exactly what happens when you interface analog and digital signals that have different scales of signal strength....

I describe the issue in greater detail in this article --> Meters, Signal Levels, and Headroom

 

[mark4man]

Bruce,

Thanks.

(BTW - Great article!)

As you mentioned earlier, if the Effects Processor's inputs are the first stage to be problematic...then that's where I'll attenuate (at The Layla's Outs.)

Thanks again,

mark4man