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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,

Hi

It is normal. Mastered recordings are usually reaching zero.

jarok

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,

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.

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

Thanks,
Walter