mc²96 - System Settings -> Bargraphs
The Bargraph options apply globally across the console to all of the peak meter bargraphs.
For ITU-compliant operation, set the Meter Mode to True Peak and Scale Mode to dBFS. Then return to the Level options and set the Headroom to 0dB (and the Reference Level to the maximum analogue level required). This ensures that the dBFS metering on the console matches any external AES metering you may have. In this instance, be aware that the internal 0dB operating level now equals 0dBFS. This means that you are responsible for your own headroom. For example, if you still want a headroom of +9dB, then you will need to set your limiter threshold points to -9dB, etc. You can then use the Safe Area and Operation Range options to help manage the headroom.
Meter Mode
Sets the meter characteristics. Use the drop-down menu to select an option.
- PPM (IEC 60268-10 Type I) - Peak metering: 5ms attack time/1.7s release (-20 dB).
- PPM (IEC 60268-10 Type II) - Peak metering: 10ms attack time/2.8s release (-24 dB).
- True Peak (ITU-R BS.1770-4) - True Peak metering with 2x oversampling, 0ms attack time/1.5s release.
- Fast - Fast response peak metering; 1ms attack time/1.5s release.
- VU - RMS metering; 300ms attack/300ms release.
Scale Mode
Sets the meter scale. Use the drop-down menu to select an option.
- DIN - DIN PPM scale conforming to IEC 60268-10 Type I.
- British - British PPM scale conforming to IEC 60268-10 Type IIa.
- EBU - EBU PPM scale conforming to IEC 60268-10 Type IIb.
- Nordic - Nordic PPM scale conforming to IEC 60268-10 Type L.
- dBFS – dB full scale digital meter scale conforming to IEC 60268-18.
Peakhold
The next four options define the behaviour of the peak hold indicator. This monitors and marks the peak level reached on each meter (as shown below).
- Peakhold Mode - choose one of the following:
- Auto - peak hold clears automatically after the Peakhold Time.
- Manual - peak hold remains set until it is cleared by the operator.
- Off – the peak hold indicator is disabled.
- Peakhold Reset - press to clear the peak hold indicators and reset the peak level monitoring.
- Peakhold Time - sets the Auto peak hold time in seconds.
Peakhold Color - sets the color of the peak hold indicator.
Safe Area, Operation Level & Line Up Level
The next three options change the visual appearance. They can be used to help manage the system headroom. In each case, the values are adjusted relative to the 0dB meter point.
- Safe Area - sets the point where the meters change color from red to orange. For example, you could set this to -6dB to mark 6dB's of headroom.
- Operation Level - sets the point where the meters change from orange to yellow (in the middle of the scale). For example, you could set this to -12dB so that when signals peak within the orange area (-12dB to -6dB) you know that they are at a good operating level.
- Line Up Level - this option sets the position of the green 'Line up level' mark.