Topic: Using SD722 with SD302 (and V3)

[SClassical]

Hi I need some advise on how to set levels when using the SD302 preamp/mixer with SD722 in a 3 channel setup.

First question is do I pre-set my 722 gain to a certain dB value before adjusting the SD302 gain so that I get the max dBFS on my 722 below clipping (0dBFS)?

What gain should I pre-set my 722 to if I plan to do the above?

This may be a silly question....I know the meters on the 722 are dBFS and 302 are dB, how do I set my levels by looking at both meters? Do I just look at my 722 meters?

To make situation worse I also plan to do 4 channel recording by connecting my V3 to the 4th and 5th channel. SD302 can do up to 5 channels (channel 1-3 are from the 3 XLR balance mic ins and channel 4 and 5 is from the 1/8 TRS unbalance line-in).  If I plan to record 4 channels, which gain controls do I use to adjust levels for channel 1, 2, 4 and 5? Obviously both channel 4 and 5 signals are from the V3.

I hope someone can advise me how to setup levels when using the SD302 with the 722.

Thanks!

[carlbeck]

I have my 702 set to 0 gain with my Aeta MIX2000. I run the Aeta so that I get -6 to -3db peaks. I checked the manual for the 302 & there is a tone oscillator, use that to set the proper gain between the mixer & the deck. In other words the tone oscillator will act as a fixed tone at 0db. Run that into your deck & set the gain on the deck to match, then do not adjust the gain on the deck. The next show you are at when you adjust the gain on the 302 the deck will not need to be adjusted. Read the manual, I may not have explained it well but I did it on my mixer & it has worked out fine.

[SClassical]

I can't really match the meters because the 302 is in dB whereas the 722 is dBFS. So I think 0dB for the 302 will be -20 dBFS on the 722. The situations becomes more complicated if I add the V3 into the system making a 4 track (channel 1, 2, 4 and 5) rig. But I will set my 722 gain to zero.

[JasonSobel]

Simon -

the levels on the 302 are calibrated so that 0 VU = 0 dBu.  But the max output (for the "line out") is +20 dBu.  and the meters go up to +20dB. 

For line-in on the 722 (at 0 dB gain), the 722 will hit 0dBfs with a signal level of +20 dBu. 
This isn't too surprising, as both these products are SD, and they have been designed to work well together.

so running line-in on the 722, with 0dB gain, the meters on your 722 should match the meters on the 302.  so just adjust the 302 as necessary, and leave the 722 levels alone.  It shouldn't matter which set of meters you are watching, because they'll both be the same.

- Jason

[ghellquist]

And it bears to be said again and again and again - don´t go near 0dB FS if you can avoid it. Run 24 bit and save lots of headroom on the top for all those unexpected things. For film work the standard is peaks at -18dB FS. You are not paying any noise penalty if you use a good 24 bit recorder aiming there (things used to be quite different with crappy so-called 16 bit units that stayed far away from giving true 16 bits). Up the level later in postproduction on your computer.

Gunnar

[RebelRebel]

And it bears to be said again and again and again - don´t go near 0dB FS if you can avoid it. Run 24 bit and save lots of headroom on the top for all those unexpected things. For film work the standard is peaks at -18dB FS. You are not paying any noise penalty if you use a good 24 bit recorder aiming there (things used to be quite different with crappy so-called 16 bit units that stayed far away from giving true 16 bits). Up the level later in postproduction on your computer.

Gunnar

Important point, Gunnar.

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,58384.msg906769.html#msg906769

[Petrus]

If I remember correctly you can just plug and play SD302 and SD722 without any adjustements.

SD722 has a standard line in level setting somewhere (in the menus). With that set and SD302 at the normal nominal line out level they are a perfect match without any further level setting. And rightly should be; both are pro tools, and from the same factory.

Of course zero level 0 dBVU on SD302 is -20 dBFS on SD722. That has really nothing to do with the electronics, just the way those LEDs are labelled. It is only two ways of describing the same thing, only have to be aware of this analog/digital scale difference.

Turn the limiters off on SD722, turn them on on SD302.

With 24 bit recording you can ride levels about 20 dB lower than with 16 bits without loosing any quality if the final prodct will be delivered as 16 bit media. What I do is set levels conservativelly, then lower 10 dB more. With SD302 limiters set at +17 dBVU that gives a total of 70 dB headroom before possible clipping...

[SteveKingsley]

Well, I too wish to talk about my brand new SD 302 and can't seem to post a thread. So Take care everybody. Would have been a great place to ask too I bet.