Panasonic AV-HLC100E Operating Instructions Manual

Contents

Panasonic AV-HLC100E Operating Instructions Manual Manual pdf 80 page image

80Section 13.9 Output ControlMASTER audio output is represented by its own control group in the Audio, and regulates sound sent toboth physical AUDIO OUT connectors and the MIX and AUX NDI video outputs.Hint: Shift + double click Volume knobs to restore their default values (0 dB).Master settings take effect downstream from all audio sources.13.9.1 Headroom NotesIn digital audio systems, signal levels that exceed maximum values are uniformly assigned the maximumvalue, a condition known as “clipping”. Clipping inevitably results in annoying audible issues. Worse,over-modulation that may not be apparent while listening during live production may nonetheless appearin recorded files. This is often true even when levels appear to be below the ceiling level (0 dBFS, themaximum allowable digital level).Hint: AV-HLC100 notifies you when clipping has occurred by temporarily turning the Audio Mixer labelfor the problem channel red.Due to this problem, digital audio system designs customarily allow substantial ‘headroom’ above thebenchmark ‘alignment level’, making over-modulation much less likely. Often this allowance seems highto those familiar with analog audio systems; headroom levels between 18 and 24 dB are not uncommonin professional digital audio realms.AV-HLC100’s Record level defaults to -20 dBFS (set in the Record Configuration panel), approximatingtypical professional practice. This has no impact on levels at the system’s audio outputs, but all butensures clipping in recorded files will be avoided. Advanced users can thus record files conforming toregional standards or personal preference, substantially reduce the possibility of audio clipping inrecorded files, and even adjust the level on the fly if necessary.The main point to remember from all of this is that for digital audio recording “less is often more”. Whenit comes to levels, by all means go as high as necessary – but it’s equally practical to go no higher thannecessary.Hint: The Audio Mixer also provides Compressor/Limiters for each input and output. These can alsobe invaluable in defeating clipping due to over-modulation.