Link Output Level

Clint

Along the lines of Link Line In/Out Balanced? ...

What is the nominal level of the Link Output ports? ... Maybe +4dBu or -10dBV?

Clint

I asked the question because I'm running into a line-level mixer that has a switch on each channel for +4dBu vs -10dBV. If I set all channel volumes the same on the mixer, the various units that feed that mixer all yield roughly the same level coming out of the mixer - as long as that switch is set correctly.

However, the Link seems to output substantially lower volume, even with the switch at -10dBV (the higher-gain setting). Is the Link outputting something closer to a mic level? I would hate to have to use a preamp on just that channel.

Maybe it is because the Link is USB-powered? (although my RME Babyface is USB-powered, and it's main XLR outputs pump out a whopping +19dBu, and that unit is also driving several additional outputs as well).

Or ... is there an output level setting for the Link that I am missing?? (My Sylphyo setting for Sound => Volume is 100%).

Clint

@beneathclouds Great to know that I'm not missing something obvious, like some setting.

If you are going from the Link output into the Inst 3/4 input of the Babyface, TotalMix gives you 9dB of gain in addition to the -10dBV setting. If that does not bring it up to Nominal level, then it looks like the Link is below -19dBV (not sure I have the correct voltage math on that).

Peter Ostry

Line inputs are not optimal for the Link's outputs.
Microphone inputs work very well.

With two TS cables from the Link, I get maximum levels of -19 dB to -14 dB in an RME Fireface line input, depending on the selected sound and the sound volume set at 80-100% in the Sylphyo. As a peak line-level this is clearly on the low side.

I think the designers wanted to make it as compatible as possible with usual playing- and recording chains and in my opinion they did a good job. The output level fits for guitar/keyboard amps, most effects and stomp boxes and works well with microphone inputs on mixers and interfaces. Line inputs are not that common on stage. Due to the nature of instruments we rather use DI-boxes and/or mic inputs.

Almost all audio interfaces have mic inputs and these are perfect for the Link. Since the Link's outputs are unbalanced, for long cables a 2-channel DI-box right after the link is a good idea.

If line inputs are your only choice, you may consider a preamp. But beware of the quality, especially with cheap small mixers. The Link has a low noise level and a preamp should not be worse than it's source ...

Clint

@peter-ostry That wonderfully clears things up ... thank you for the info!