Problem with A16

sidx · Post by **sidx** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 2:14 am

Hi everyone so i bought this wonderfull converter and got some new problems.I connect it via Z-link
make in routing window - zlink a and b sources and route them to mixer.
Try to play on hardware synth - i see that signal comes to A16 on onboard indicator but it veeery quiet - just one led lights up.And there is NO signal comes to Scope Mixer.Whats a problem?

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 2:23 am

it has level switches (+4,-10) and you may have to set the sync source in the sample rate dialog.

cheers, Tom

sidx · Post by **sidx** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 2:57 am

done - thanx
its strange +4 works less loud then - 10
or i didn undersand something...

ScofieldKid · Post by **ScofieldKid** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 10:49 pm

Make sure you have the correct DC power adapter connected to the unit. For DC, it's a slightly higher voltage than what you would typically find on your desk.

sidx · Post by **sidx** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 11:18 am

ok
im using adapter that was in package

sidx · Post by **sidx** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:32 pm

Tell me please
as i undersood - its not good to use swithcehs +4 and -10 so signal must some at normal level in a default posiotin of this swithers right? I want to undersand - maybe i just need another type of cables?Unballanced ballanced etc.

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 3:00 pm

the switches are used to adjust the box to the level of the signal that's connected to the A16, they do not indicate an amplification

+4 means 'studio' standard which is a relatively high level (and usually symmetric)
-10 is 'consumer gear' level which is much lower and asymmetric (usually)

the unit automatically adapts to symmetric/asymmetric sources - with a strong signal you use the +4 and with a weak the -10 switch position.

cheers, Tom

sidx · Post by **sidx** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 3:59 pm

Thanx Tom.
one more question i have - so a16 cannot be used standalone without Scope cards?.As example as standalone converter routed via ADAT to another audio interface.

Post by **garyb** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 7:33 pm

sure it can....

sidx · Post by **sidx** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 2:02 am

a am in dead-end cause 2 my instruments has a +4 syymetrical outputs and third - clavia g2 has -10dbv.

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 5:03 am

I assumed the A16ultra has individual switches per in/out - like it's predecessor (which is what I have)

cheers, Tom

sidx · Post by **sidx** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 6:43 am

yep i see now it have
individual for 2 groups
it seems ok now

Post by **garyb** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 11:21 am

it wouldn't be the end of the world to use the clavia in the +4 input anyway...

valis · Post by **valis** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 3:30 pm

Use a DI box for the clavia. Very typical for studios to DI a synth simply for the tonal qualities that result (assuming you use a quality DI box).

sidx · Post by **sidx** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:46 am

oh my god..

its a -64 db noise in A16 with
connected all 16 channels via z-link source A and B to Stm 24/48

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:27 am

how ?
with nothing connected ? on each channel, in the sum ? right after resetting margin ?
(the meters retain the highest value, so whatever 'spike' comes in is printed under the meter until you reset the little button)

cheers, Tom

sidx · Post by **sidx** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:01 pm

yeah
Nothing connected.
Its a sum of all 16 channels.
Noise adds per eeach channel connected.
So in +4db swith its a -72 after reset
In -10 (my work) its -64 after reset.
Panic.I think now i know why this box is so cheap.My RME on mac makes -110 with nothing connected.What to do?

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 1:47 pm

enjoy it - listen to it and don't bother about numbers

re-read your lines of questions above - you weren't even sure about balanced/unbalanced cables, the meaning of the level figures, those switches...
maybe some more experiences before a final verdict applies

I'm no expert with the level figures either - I couldn't even tell how to correctly weigh the input noise with the symmetric/asymmetric and level switches variations - and I don't even care.

But I can tell you for sure that an open input does NOT represent the 'effective' noise of the channel - it has to be closed to be measured by a proper load.
Nevertheless the open-channel-approach is quite useful to detect ground noise and such disturbancies or deviations between the channels, but that's about it.

64 dB is the best signal to noise ratio you can get from a vinyl disk - and we probably agree that vinyl sounds great, so even that figure isn't exactly frightening (as 16 analog channels summed up - but don't forget it's a fake value)

a 90 dB dynamic range (say for final CD output) is completely pointless if you finalize and optimaster the hell out of the track. Noone cares about it.
We're probably not talking about recording a classical piece with a symphony orchestra, as in that genre the dynamic range(!) matters and IS retained

It only sounds as good as you can hear it and that isn't necessarily reflected in spec figures.
To make a simple rule of thumb: if you won't be able to produce an airplay compatible track (soundwise) with an A16U, then it's not due to it's SNR, but to the room you're mixing in, seriously

Don't misunderstand this as an excuse that the unit doesn't have to perform well (it does it anyway, maybe not for all and every application), but it's easier to focus on the important points.

cheers, Tom

[ This Message was edited by: astroman on 2006-04-19 14:53 ]

Post by **garyb** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 1:49 pm

true.

sidx · Post by **sidx** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 2:54 pm

hey i hope you right and i am not got enough exp. but now in this moment i have a sad fact - disconnected a16 box makes near to -60 db noise... guys...its my damn old 100$ yamaha mixer.ITS TOO MUCH.Its a hearable noise.Unacceptably for my work.

[ This Message was edited by: sidx on 2006-04-19 15:55 ]

[ This Message was edited by: sidx on 2006-04-19 15:56 ]