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Author Topic: CP65 / DA 20 output level difference Bernie Anderson Jr Master Film Handler Posts: 435 From: Woodbridge, New Jersey Registered: Apr 2000 posted 02-23-2012 12:06 AM                        I'm still playing around with my CP65 and DA 20 combo at home. When I set up the 65 last year, I didn't have the DA 20 yet. I set the output to 85db on the stage speakers and the split surrounds at 82db. When I use the DA20, the digital output is louder than analog. The amp that I'm using is a Yamaha receiver with 6 channel inputs. I usually run the CP65 at 5 with the Yamaha at -10 (it's max is +2). When the DA20 is running, I have to turn the Yamaha down to -20 or -25. Am I missing something? I don't see anything that has to do with specific digital input gain for balance between analog and digital.  |  IP: Logged Robert Minichino Master Film Handler Posts: 350 From: Haskell, NJ, USA Registered: Dec 2005 posted 02-23-2012 08:23 AM                        Stupid question perhaps, but how did you set up the CP65? Did you use the Cat 85 to set your levels?  |  IP: Logged Sam D. Chavez Film God Posts: 2153 From: Martinez, CA USA Registered: Aug 2003 posted 02-23-2012 09:51 AM                       The setup of the b-chain sounds right if you used a pink noise generator in the 65. The analog audio input for the processor is part of the A chain. Dolby level needs to be set using Cat. 69 test film.  |  IP: Logged Pete Naples Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1565 From: Dunfermline, Scotland Registered: Feb 2001 posted 02-23-2012 10:45 AM                     What Sam said^^, Every time I've heard this said, I've found that the A chain alignment was lacking in some way, often a good clean of the glassy bits and set Dolby level properly was all it needed. Sometimes people confuse tonality and quality with volume, what I mean is you have a DA20 playing SRD, sounds lovely. Then it reverts, and you have analogue SR reproduced by a sound head incapable of anything over 8kHz, or with such poor slit illumination it's distorting and clipping/compressing loud passages... Distortion is often mistaken for volume. You can't expect SRD to precisely tonally match analogue from a 1940's Kalee/British Acoustic rep set, is my point.  |  IP: Logged Bernie Anderson Jr Master Film Handler Posts: 435 From: Woodbridge, New Jersey Registered: Apr 2000 posted 02-23-2012 12:49 PM                        Yep, used CAT 85 to set up levels (digital does sound great) and I'm running with a CE reverse scan. I'll have to go through the whole thing again and check it to see what's going on. I'd figure I ask just to make sure I didn't miss anything.  |  IP: Logged Sam D. Chavez Film God Posts: 2153 From: Martinez, CA USA Registered: Aug 2003 posted 02-23-2012 02:33 PM                       It is possible the Dolby meters on the 222 are off a bit for one reason or another. To double check, use a meter and measure the L and R level coming out of the 240 running cat. No. 69T. It should be around 300 mV and both the same if the meters are showing Dolby level.  |  IP: Logged Bernie Anderson Jr Master Film Handler Posts: 435 From: Woodbridge, New Jersey Registered: Apr 2000 posted 02-23-2012 04:20 PM                        Good point. I'll take a look at that too. Shouldn't the output to amps also be at 300mV too to properly set output level?  |  IP: Logged Louis Bornwasser Film God Posts: 4441 From: prospect ky usa Registered: Mar 2005 posted 02-23-2012 05:46 PM                        Remember to set Dolby level in MONO. If set correct and well, there should be minimal difference between high quality analog and the DA-20. Louis  |  IP: Logged Sam D. Chavez Film God Posts: 2153 From: Martinez, CA USA Registered: Aug 2003 posted 02-23-2012 05:56 PM                       To Bernie's last point: The output level of the 65 has nothing to do with what we were discussing before as I'm sure you know. Output levels have been discussed many times in the past. I tend to run the output higher, closer to 700 mVolts. This minimizes any hum or noise induced on the wiring between the processor and amplifier. There is no real point to setting them exactly for any specific number, either before or after doing the EQ.  |  IP: Logged Steve Guttag We forgot the crackers Gromit!!! Posts: 12814 From: Annapolis, MD Registered: Dec 1999 posted 02-24-2012 10:09 AM                     Point of Information...on the CP65 using the Cat 85 (or CE SG-1)...the surrounds should be set to 85dB/Side, not 82...the Cat 441 boosts optical surround by 3dB and one is in the optical mode when setting the surround levels.  |  IP: Logged

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