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2: With your outboard equipment’s output control set to nominal, set the relevant insert return
control on your console for PFLs around +4dBu/0VU (analogue) or -18dBFS (digital).
3: Listen to the required effect – on headphones first and then on the PA.
If the outboard gear is too noisy or has poor quality converters, you may have to compromise on
headroom by increasing the insert send level by a few dB and decreasing the insert return level by the
same amount.
If the outboard gear is starting to sound distorted at your likely maximum effect, you may need to bring
its internal signal level down by reducing your console insert send level and increasing the insert return
sensitivity by the same amount.
DJ equipment standards
Funktion One FF-4000 and FF-6000 Dual Format DJ Mixer levels
Funktion One FF-4000 and FF-6000 Dual Format DJ Mixers have full a pro-audio output capability of up to
+22dBu. This gives maximum headroom and dynamic range.
Due to the more compressed nature of most DJ tracks, and the pro-audio headroom of Funktion One DJ
mixers, pre-fade/cue signal levels may be kept quite high as long as they stay within the green section of
the Cue meter most of the time.
The excellent output capabilities of the FF-4000 and FF-6000 mixers allows them to be used with a very
wide range of controller/ amplifier combinations
-10dBV/2.0V DJ and MI (music industry) equipment levels
A lot of DJ and music-industry products run at a nominal operating level of -10dBV.
dBV (note the upper-case V) refers to so many dB with respect to 1vrms.
-10dBV is approximately 0.316vrms. The maximum analogue output (for a maximum digital level of
0dBFS) is usually around +6dBV (2.0Vrms) so nominal operating levels are, in theory, -16dB with respect
to maximum output.
In practise, however, many DJs run considerably hotter than this; partly to “drive through” the dubious
digital audio converter quality of some systems that sound distinctly lacking at low levels, and partly
because they don’t need the kind of headroom required for live sound as they know their favourite tracks
very well and they are in a more controlled environment.
Note that loudspeaker amplifier systems must have sensitivity figures below 2.0Vrms to prevent DJs and
MI operators from pushing their DJ consoles into clip before reaching maximum dance floor levels.
Level setting for DJ mixer users
(Normally known as Gain Structure)
The Funktion One/ Formula Sound FF-4000 is used in this example although the principles of keeping the
signal clean apply to any mixer. The suggestions assume the user or installer is familiar with the basic
mixer functions
Initial input-output calibration
1: Ensure that all inserts or effect loops are switched out (bypassed) before initially setting your gain
structure! See Outboards effects set-up later...
www.funktion-one.com © Funktion One Research Limited 2011
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