VU Meters
The VU meters on the DMP3 are there to provide a visual reference to the signal at the output of the DMP3. They are, however, calibrated to correspond more closely to the level you will see on a recording device that has digital peak meters to show input level. VU meters show an average of the signal voltages, while peak meters show the true peaks in that signal. Peak meters are, in that sense, more sensitive than VU meters, and are more affected by timbre and pitch. It is possible that a peak meter could be approching the 0dB level (the maximum possible before clipping), while the VU meter shows very little movement. The VU meters on the DMP3 are adjusted so that a more accurate visual representation is created in relation to the peak meters in your computer or digital recording device. As mentioned, this relationship will vary between instruments of different timbre and pitch. Because of that, you may want to compare the DMP3 VU levels to the inputs levels on your recording device for each performance, and decide how �hot� you can go on the VU meters before clipping occurs on your recording device.
Hi/Lo Gain Switches
Two gain ranges are provided for the DMP3 preamps. The �Hi/Lo Gain� switch on the front panel is used to select between the two gain ranges, with the �Out� position being the default. The Hi/Lo Gain switch in the Out position is the �Hi Gain� range, while the �In� position switches the DMP3 to the �Lo Gain� range. The gain range is considered to be from the beginning to the end of the Gain Adjustment Knob�s travel from left to right. In the Out, or Hi Gain position, the DMP3 preamp of the corresponding channel will provide 32dB to 66dB of gain using either the microphone inputs or the 1/4� high impedance instrument inputs. In the In, or Lo Gain position, the DMP3 preamp (of the corresponding channel) will provide 6dB to 40dB of gain using the microphone or 1/4� high impedance instrument inputs. Some mics or instruments will have a hotter output signal than others. As a general guideline, if you use a mic or instrument in the Hi Gain position and find that you can achieve a desirable output level with the Gain Adjustment Knob set somewhere between 10:00 and 2:00 (or higher if necessary), then the Hi Gain position is a proper choice. If, however, you find yourself clipping while hardly any movement of the Gain Adjustment Knob has been made, then switching to the Lo Gain position is advised. Conversely, if you are in the Lo Gain position and find that you have to turn the Gain Adjustment Knob past 2:00, then you might want to try lowering the gain and switching to the Hi Gain position. 7
