How should the Input Levels on my Omnia be set for optimum performance?

With normal program audio, the Input Gain Master should be adjusted so that the input bargraph meters are hitting from about -15 to –12 dBFS on regular peaks or a little higher. These are true peak-reading meters and will not read correctly on steady-state tones.

The Master Drive control on the Omnia 5EX, 6EX and 6EXi (located after the input bargraph meters) should be left at 0.0 dB if the reference 0VU level of the equipment feeding the Omnia is +4 dBu. This will provide optimum headroom throughout the Omnia.

The Master Drive will need to be adjusted if your system’s reference level is not +4 dBu. For example, a setting of –4.0 dB would be used if your reference level is +8 dBu and +4.0 dB if your reference level is 0 dBu.

This control may also need to be adjusted if you do not have sufficient gain reduction in the WB AGC, the input audio feeding the Omnia is pre-processed or if you wish to bypass the WB AGC section and have too little gain reduction in the multi-band AGC section.

Once set properly, you should see about 10 dB of gain reduction on the WB AGC gain reduction meter with normal program audio at your 0VU reference.

It is normal for the WB AGC gain reduction meter to continue to show gain reduction even when the WB AGC section is bypassed.