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Level Meters

Audio level metering appears in the lower corner of the viewfinder output (and HDMI) screen as four 20-segment, tri-color meter bars. There are no numerical markings. In our tests we have determined that the 0 dBFS position corresponds to a line level signal of 20 dBu and the lowest reading corresponds to a line level signal of -14 dBu when using the Red-supplied XLR-to-TA3 cables. There is a solid line shown at an arbitrary -8 dBFS and a very faintly emboldened line at -20 dBFS. The chart below shows the meter scale.

redcammeter2

Use and Setup with Sound Devices Mixers and Recorders

The schematic below illustrates an interconnect cable between Sound Devices mixers and the camera’s line-level input. We recommend this connection to properly pad the Red camera TA3 input to handle the line-level outputs of Sound Devices products. This circuit attenuates the Red input a few dB more than the supplied Red cables and provides a better match between the SD outputs and Red input. With this cable and the settings shown below, the meters on the SD products can be used to meter the program audio with confidence.

padded-cable-for-red

With this cable, SD products will drive the audio circuits of the Red to their theoretical best and will give acceptable fidelity.

Following are the settings for each SD product:

  • 442: use either the XLR, multi-pin, or TA3 out, set output to line-level
  • 302: XLR output: set attenuation to 0 dB (default)
  • MixPre: XLR output: no settings necessary
  • 788T: set Analog Output Gain to -2 dB
  • 744T, 722, 702T, 702: set Output Attenuation to 0 dB

Conclusion

For most dialog applications, the Red One’s near 16-bit audio performance is similar to many of the digital pro-sumer and pro cameras we have tested. This is perfectly acceptable for dialog, especially when hit with a good, clean line-level signal. Sound Devices recommends dual-system sound for critical applications.

You can view the original article at the Sound Devices website.

All copyrights and trademarks belong to their respective owners, Sound Devices, RED Camera, and all others mentioned above.
Once again, we would like to thank Sound Devices for use of their article and we highly recommend their products.