2408 Output Meters in the Red

[walterr]

Is it normal for the output level meters of my 2408mk3 to peak into the red on a consistant rate? It is not just a periodic peak but rather happens throughout the music constantly. This happens if I am using my 2408 as the Audio Interface (AI) to play a commercial CD in my computer OR if using the 2408 as the AI for a mp3 song playing over the internet. This also happens when I get the master output meters in Logic Pro 7 up to near Zero. The yellow LED is -6 and the red LED is -1. The sound is NOT distorted while this is happening.

Is this normal or do I have something configured incorrectly? I normally equate RED lights with poor signal settings.

Thanks for any input.

Walter,

[jarok]

Hi

It is normal. Mastered recordings are usually reaching zero.

jarok

[walterr]

Thanks,

However, is there a rule of thumb of how much the meters on the 2408 should stay in the RED? Also, the material that I am mixing in Logic Pro7 has not yet been mastered but it can still peak the meters on the 2408mk3. The little that I know about Digital Recording says that you should NEVER allow the "RED Lights" to come on........perhaps this is an exception?

Thanks much for any input.

Walter,

[EMRR]

No rule of thumb. Anything between -1 and -0.000001 is safe. Generally, 2 samples, if not 3, at 0 is considered safe.

I really dislike those meters. Red should be 0, yellow should be -6 to -0.000000001.

It all depends on how the meter works too. Many meters can't detect single sample 0 level bursts as being 0; many register them at -12 or less.

[walterr]

Thanks Doug. Sounds like MOTU needs 1 more LED on their machines.

Thanks,
Walter