PlanetZ forums - scopeusers.com

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?

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

cheers, Tom

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

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.

ok
im using adapter that was in package

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.

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

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.

sure it can....

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

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

cheers, Tom

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

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

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).

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

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

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?

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

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: astroman on 2006-04-19 14:53 ]</font>

true.

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.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: sidx on 2006-04-19 15:55 ]</font>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: sidx on 2006-04-19 15:56 ]</font>