Nord User Forum

Hi Guys,
I always put all my Nord(and other synths) at their maximum volume and then adjust at the mixer. It that right? Is the volume pot turned down completely clockwise is the 0db/Vu with a -10dB or +4dB like pro equipment?
Just let me know if you have any idea...

They're -10dBV.

Or strictly speaking, they're assumed to be -10dBV as Nord don't publish specs for their output levels. But they sure aren't +4dBu - hence the frequent complaints about low output levels from Nords.

For recording purposes, you should indeed turn the output level of your Nord to maximum, any lower and you're just increasing the noise level, because you will just have to add more gain at the mixer input to bring the level back up again, thus bringing up unwanted noise as well.

Of course it's different for live use, it's common to keep the volume down somewhat so that you can boost your volume for solos etc. Technically, this also means that you're getting more background noise than necessary, but it's usually considered a worthwhile trade-off for the convenience.

But if you're playing live and want to keep your volume level maxed and alter it at the mixer instead, that's ok too - it's really just a matter of what control is easiest to grab in your particular setup. If you're turning your level up (or down) during your performance with your mixer, use the fader (or equivalent knob), NOT the input gain control. The gain control is a "set and forget" adjustment.

Whichever way round you do it, it's best to make sure than you don't overload (clip) either your mixer or the main band mixer when you're boosting for your wonder-solo, so adjust your gains/levels down a bit for "average" playing levels to give yourself a bit of headroom - your PA guy will thank you for it.

Ok, thanks a lot, so, that's what I had understood....I will keep it this way even on a live set as I have my swell pedal for organs and volume on control pedal....and I usually set the Mackie at -10/0dB as I have a lot of headroom before clipping....and for the input gain, yes, I knew that....
Thanks again...

Quai34 wrote:....and for the input gain, yes, I knew that....

Sorry, I didn't mean to talk down to you, occasionally I just add some general information that might be useful to somebody else as well. Kind of "everything a beginner might need to know in one handy-dandy post"

No worries I didn't take it that way.....thanks again....bye