Input vs. Output level

[evh_slash]

Short and sweet...
Ive got an AKAI parametric EQ rack... It says -10dB under both the INPUT & OUTPUT jack ... what does this mean ??

[GuitarStv]

Re: Input vs. Output level

It's the input and output level of your audio equipment. Some stuff uses +4 dB, some -10. Most of my balanced recording stuff uses +4 send/rec, usually -10 stuff is unbalanced.

[Rockstar216]

Re: Input vs. Output level

I think it's for weather you have rack effects or not. My amp has a button on the back next to the FX loop that has +4 or -10 for if I use rack effects or regular pedals.

[Rodney Gene]

Re: Input vs. Output level

I think it's for weather you have rack effects or not. My amp has a button on the back next to the FX loop that has +4 or -10 for if I use rack effects or regular pedals.

Alot of rack effects today only operate at -10. Anything with RCA or unbalanced outs is -10.

The switches between +4 and -10 are for signal to noise ratio and auto gain-staging between professional equipment (+4) and consumer or 'semi' professional equipment (-10). Manufactuers put them on alot of gear today to help with the mis-matched input/outputs. 'Back in the day' all studio gear was +4. All of it. Only with the introduction of less expensive home recording gear (semi professional) did manufactures offer -10 to lower cost. The line seems more blurry today, but in truth the majority of high end studio gear is still +4 only. Both my tube pres are that way.

In the real world, -10 equates to about 12db 'louder' input or output. This is needed to help/lower the increased noise floor that unbalanced equipment (-10) often brings.
+4 higher voltage higher input/output / -10 lower voltage lower input/output. +4 is capable of receiving more input before distorting.

Cheers!~ Respect, RG

[hermetico]

Re: Input vs. Output level

-10dB is usually the LINE level that consumist elecronics use to link different devices.
If you have some CD, sound micro-chain, your PC' sound card or whatever else (I think, even keyboards), those usually have their outputs at LINE level.
And, as said, this is usually (but not always) an unbalanced signal.

A guitar or bass will work at INSTRUMENT level and, usually, they need to be pre-amplified.

+4dB is often seen in Studio Gear, like mixing desks, compressors, EQ, AD/DA converters, etc.
This is the STUDIO level of signal that is mainly used for studio outboard gear and, it's balanced.

It's not just a matter of what signal level (voltage) but, impedance has a big rol in those kind of level types.