E-MU 0404 PCIe Digital Audio System OpMan - English - Version 2.10

4 - The PatchMix DSP Mixer
Mixer Strip Creation
The Direct Monitor Send/Return also allows the recording application to control volume and
pan. Normally when using direct monitor recording you’ll want to control the volume and pan
from the recording application. In this case, set the PatchMix DSP stereo pan controls hard left
and right, mono pan controls to center, and the fader to 0dB.
To Add an ASIO Direct Monitor Send/Return:
1. Right-Click over the Insert section. A pop-up dialog box appears.
2. Select “Insert ASIO Direct Monitor” from the option list. The following dialog box appears.
3. Choose one of the Send Outputs. Click on a destination to select it.
4. Choose one of the Return Inputs. Click on a source to select it.
5. Click OK to select the Send and Return or Cancel to cancel the operation.
Meter Inserts
Keeping track of signal levels is important in any audio system, be it analog or digital. You
want to keep the signal levels running as close to maximum in order to achieve high resolution
and low noise. On the other hand, you don’t want the signal level so high as to cause clipping.
To help you maintain optimum signal levels, we have included Peak Level Meters, which can
be dropped into any insert location.
The insert meters are of the “peak hold” type. The topmost bar in the meter holds its highest
level for a second to let you see transients that would otherwise be too quick for the eye. A
numeric readout above the meter shows the peak-hold level in dB.
The peak meters are also color-coded to indicate the signal strength. The chart below outlines
the meanings of the colors. Avoid lighting the topmost red bar, as this indicates distortion of
the signal. Click on the clip indicator to turn it off.
Meter Color
Red
Yellow
Green
Indicates
Indicates signal clipping.
Good strong signal level.
Signal is present.
One of the most obvious uses of the insert meters is to set input levels. On the analog inputs,
the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is one of the most critical points in the signal path. You
want the input signal level to drive the 24-bit ADCs into their optimum range without
clipping. A reading of 0dB on an input meter indicates signal clipping.
30 Creative Professional