AHM – SQ5 Audio digital vs Analog signal difference

[Seth]

This is a little oddity I found and wanted to see if anyone had any insight.

I am using an AHM64 as a system processor and have been sending audio analog from my SQ5. I just received an S-link card so I can send the signal digitally. I found that once I patched it digitally there was a 5db drop in the signal. I have been running some level test and learned that in fact the analog is boosted 5db. Is there a reason for this. I and doing nothing but changing the routing, no change in processing. it’s not creating any issues, it was just strange.

Anyone have any ideas why?

Thanks,
Seth Wiese

||Schematic of signal chain||
Analog : SQ5-(SLINK)-AR2412-(DSnake)-AB168-(XLR-Phoenix)-AHM64
Digital : SQ5-(I/O port Slink)-AHM64

[Nicola A&H]

Hi Seth,

Most pro audio equipment historically used +4dBu as a nominal output reference (with meters at 0) for better noise performance over analogue cables. +4dBu is also the nominal output level for SQ mixers. When connected to an analogue input with 0dB gain, this will translate to +4dB of gain in the system, so what you are observing is expected behaviour.

[Seth]

Awesome, Thank you!

[Author]

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