15
Using the Level Controls
The Q2U employs Up and Down Level controls,
which are normally used to control the level
of the internal headphone amp, however
the Level controls will adjust the volume of
whichever device (Q2U or internal sound card)
is set up as the output. If you set the Q2U as the
output device, the Level controls will adjust the
headphone output. If you select the any of the
computer’s internal soundcards as the output
device, the Level controls will adjust the output volume of computer via that device.
Now, use the Up and Down switches to raise or lower the volume respectively.
Setting Up the Signal Level
You can adjust the Q2U’s internal analog input gain stage by using your software
DAW or operating system. The purpose of the level, or gain controls are to optimize
the amount of good signal relative to any associated noise. A good mic or instrument
pre-amplifier, like the one inside Q2U, will also have a PEAK indicator to show when
the input signal is clipping. To set a good level on the mic, set the Q2U up in front of
the desired sound source and slowly raise the DAW’s or operating system’s input gain
control until you see the CLIP or Peak indicator light up. Then, turn the input trim
control down until the indicator does not light any more. Once you set the input level
control you shouldn’t need to change them during recording. Use the level controls on
the DAW to set the balance between the mic and stereo mix during playback.
Operating the Q2U
