Digital Output; Frequently Asked Questions - Focusrite Platinum Penta Preset Stereo Compressor Manuel D'utilisation

(applies to digital option only) – When the Penta
ADC LOCK
clock source, the ADC LOCK LED will light to indicate correct operation. The ADC LOCK
LED should be continuously lit – if this flickers it indicates bad jitter on the synchronising
signal which will require investigation.

DIGITAL OUTPUT

In addition to the analogue outputs, a high quality 24 bit 128 times oversampled Digital
Output may be fitted as an option, which can operate at sample frequencies from 44.1kHz to
96kHz. All of the following functions are available on the rear panel:
- This 24 bit output is SPDIF format on an RCA phono connector. If
SPDIF OUTPUT
16 bit resolution is required, the receiver should dither the 24 bit signal to achieve 16 bit
performance.
SAMPLE FREQUENCY - two switches give a choice of four sample frequencies as
marked on the rear panel. The left hand switch selects between 44.1kHz (switch out) and
48kHz (switch in), and the right hand switch doubles the selected frequency.
EXT WCLK (WORDCLOCK) INPUT
the BNC connector, the Penta ™ will attempt to synchronise to it. When the unit is correctly
locked to the external clock source the ADC LOCK LED will light to indicate correct
operation. In this case the ADC LOCK LED should be continuously lit - if this flickers it
indicates bad jitter on the synchronising signal which would need investigation.
™ is locked to an external
- if an external wordclock source is fed to

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Q. My Penta ™ gets quite hot when in use. Should I be worried about this?
A. No. This is a result of the high-quality Class A circuitry inside your Penta
not be a problem. As a precaution, it is wise to rack hotter units lower down your rack
than cooler units (see Q.2.) If space is available, fit a blank panel between units to allow
extra ventilation.
2. Q. Where in my rack should I put my Penta
A. It is generally a good idea to place hotter units lower down your rack. This is because
the air that is heated from each unit in the rack will rise to the top of the rack, placing
the uppermost units in a hotter environment. Therefore, a hot unit at the top of a rack
will get even hotter.
3. Q. What is the difference between +4dBu and -10dBV?
A. These are different signal operating levels. +4dBu usually refers to professional
equipment and -10dBV usually refers to semi-professional equipment. It is important to
make sure that any two or more devices connected to each other are operating at the
same signal level. The +4dBu/-10dBV switches on the rear of the Penta
use the Penta's outputs at either operating level.
eg. If the +4dBu output of a device feeds the -10dBV input of another device, this may
cause the second device to overload.
Alternatively, if the -10dBV output of a device feeds the +4dBu input of another
device, the second device may have a signal level which is too low (i.e. be too quiet).
-10dBV devices are usually connected by mono TRS connectors. This is known as an
'unbalanced' connection.
+4dBu devices are connected by stereo (balanced) TRS connectors or XLRs and will
normally use 'balanced' inputs and outputs.
4. Q. Is the Penta a mono or stereo device?
™
A. The Penta ™ is a stereo device. However it can also be used as a mono device when
tracking, either by using the mic or instrument input on the front panel, or by conecting
only one of the rear panel Line inputs.
5. Q. What is a 'side-chain'?
A. A side-chain is any signal that controls the action of the compressor. Usually the audio
signal is split in two, with one part becoming the side-chain and controlling the
compressor, and the other part of the audio signal being treated by the compressor.
™ and should
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allow you to
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