Audio Systems/+4dbu or -10dbV

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/19/2011


Question
Hi I have a Sherwood RX-4105 receiver that sends signal to a DBX 266xl compressor using it's headphone jack.The signal then goes to a QSC GX3 amplifer.Do I use the +4dbu or -10dbV setting on the compressor? All cables are unbalanced by the way. Thanks

Answer
Have you seen this Utube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qutqiss4Pq4

It gives a good tutorial on the general usage of a compressor.  The reason I bring this up is because if you are using this in an audio playback system for recorded music you may not want to use the compressor at all; just pass the signal through by pressing the bypass button.

The setting you asked about is the output level is it not?  That is your choice depending on how hard you are driving the QSC and how much level you need for its drive.  Too much may overload the input; too little may not give enough drive for full output..... So just experiment with the one that does the best job for your audio quality and listening level.

Good Luck.  

Audio Systems

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Cleggsan

Expertise

Audio Design Engineer; systems, loudspeakers, cd/dvd players, etc. I am knowledgeable in all high end audio equipment and installations. MAKE SURE YOU GIVE A MAKE AND MODEL NUMBER AND CAR IF IT IS AN AUTO QUESTION. Note: I am getting some who ask good questions that take a lot of time to research but then the questioner fails to read the answer. Please don't ask questions unless you are seriously looking for an answer. If you find an answer to your question otherwise then let me know with your reply. Thank you.

Experience

Have been associated with audio design, standards, testing and component systems for over 40 years.

Organizations
Life Fellow Member of Audio Engineering Society Life Senior Member of Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers

Publications
Review technical manuscripts for IEEE Spectrum Write occasionally for high-end audio publications

Education/Credentials
BSEE/MSCS/MBA

Past/Present Clients
Past Employee/advisor to several well known audio products manufacturers

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.