can someone help me understand reference levels

[LL Lush]

what is the default for 002r systems and pt622.
point me in a direction to learn about this (can't seem to find much in pt ref manual? perhaps i'm looking in the wrong place)
mosts stuff seems to refer to tdm systems
how to set, and where to set pluggins to work properly with.
(for example) psp vintage warmers vu meters have an adjustable setting on the back panel for reference level

how does all this relate to the production world?

[DesertDude]

I generally use the meters only as a guide to when I see the RED. Ohterwise it is pure ears for me... that said here is some food for thought

Audio courses forum

more on levels

audio 101

[where02190]

-18dbfs=0dbu.

[Rail Jon Rogut]

Actually, the 002 is factory set to -14dBfs = 0dBu. (It's in the Getting Started guide if memory serves correctly).

Rail

[where02190]

Really? Figures one unit would hae to be different just to complicate things, huh?

[Haigbabe]

Really? Figures one unit would hae to be different just to complicate things, huh?

Yeah Nick!! Why don't you just take the time to rtfm.

[LL Lush]

ok, yeah geting started guide

Operating Levels and Headroom

All Digi 002 Rack audio inputs and outputs are
set for 14 dB of headroom below 0 dB, or full
code. This means at the nominal reference input
level (+4 dBu or –10 dBV) you can have up to
14 dB of headroom before input or output clipping
occurs.
The maximum input and output of
Digi 002 Rack using balanced TRS cables on any
of the +4 dBu, 1/4-inch connectors is +18 dBu
(6.15 Vrms).

Can someone give me a practical application of this stuff?

#1
i assume that if i set the vu meters in a plug in (such as vin warmer) to corresponde to -14 they will reach 0 at digital zero, or digital clip?
and that if i use a plug in such as elemental audio series (firium, imspector) or any other digital plug, these will automatically coresponde to digital zero, digital clip.

I hope i used terms that communicate this well enough.

i appreciate all the help

[where02190]

LOL!!!! Ya got we with my own words...touche'!!!!!!

Hmmm, not having an 002, I've had no need to RTFM, but I find it interresting it has so little headroom, most DAWs max out more in the +24dbu range.

Practical application. You can run a +14dbu signal into your 002 before reaching 0dbfs. 0dbfs is the maximum attainable usable level into the digital domain. Going over 0dbfs creates a noise that could never even in the wildest stretches of the imagination be considered musical or artistic.

It is neaither necessary ro recommended you attempt to achieve signal level to 0dbfs. As previously stated(and now corrected to the proper level), shoot for nominal -14dbfs input levels.

[Rail Jon Rogut]

The reference level is merely that.. a reference of gain to the outside world.. it has no effect on 0dBfs when you're working inside the box. You set up the PSP meter to give you an idea of where your levels would be if you were outside the box in an analog system - all insert points have headroom due to the 32 bit floating point mixer.. only at the Master fader is the resolutio dropped to 24 bits -- this has been discussed here before.

Rail