NEWBY help: -20 vs. +4

BigKSUfan wrote on 4/21/2002, 12:56 PM

How do I know whether my inputs are at -20 dBm or at +4. I use an echo Gina as my soundcard and am unsure whether my equipment should be classified as "consumer" or as "professional"-- and for that matter what does it matter. IS this something I should be concerned about? Both the Gina and my reverb (Roland SRV 3030)have adjustments for input levels. I run my mics and instruments through a Behringer Euroack mic/line mixer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. RKR

Comments

EArrigotti wrote on 4/21/2002, 5:45 PM

If I am not mistaked, I believe that -10 (not -20) is an unbalanced input/output and +4 is balanced. One or the other is neither pro or consumer level. As a matter of fact, much of the vintage gear it unbalanced (-10 that is.) Using balanced inputs/outputs may reduce you signal to noise ratio, and definitely makes more sense if you have long cable runs (like 50 feet).

I don't know whether your gear specifically is balanced or not, but the owners manual usually tells whether it is or not. My Delta 1010 can be configured for both -10 and +4 (balanced or unbalanced) and has a switch to change it. Your gear may have a switch if it is an option. If it is and you want to take advantage of that feature, you'll have to use balanced cables all along your signal path. Mic cables are balanced. 1/4 inch cables that have tip-ring--sleeve (like a stereo headphone jack) are balanced.