User Manual

18
Neos
Control Elements Master Path
Mon B
Use the Master path’s top-most push button to activate the Monitor B output. Monitor output
A will be muted. Usually you would have two different sets of monitor speakers connected.
With the Monitor B push button you can choose the set you want to listen to. However, you
can always connect a headphones preamp to one of the Monitor outputs. Take into account
that you should always calibrate both Monitor outputs to always have the same level — even
if you use headphones. In this last case, adjust the level so that when you set 0 dB in the
headphones preamp volume control and the Neos Monitor control you get the same sound
pressure level as you would with monitor speakers in the listening position. Apart from being
able to compare sound pressure levels between different monitor speakers, this also avoids
any unpleasant volume differences when switching from one monitoring set to the other.
Once you are done calibrating the headphones preamp, always adjust the volume level on the
Neos without modifying the preamp’s level control. Please refer to “Calibrate“ on this page.
Monitor
Use the Monitor control to set the listening volume. This control affects Monitor outputs
A and B. The potentiometer used is a “Big Blue” ALPS (RK27). This type of potentiometers
are well-known for their high overload capacity, even response and a very smooth rotation
with enough resistance but without being stiff. The Monitor control uses a relative dB scale
referenced to the input level. The 0 dB mark is approximately at the 2-o’clock position, which
means that when set to this position the input level is “as is” (the amplification factor is 1 or
“Unity gain”). The control range extends from -80 dB to +7 dB. The control’s sensitivity is
maximal at normal listening levels, due to a higher resolution, from -18 dB to +7 dB, with the
highest resolution above 0 dB.
Monitoring with the Neos
Just like the summing section, the Neos monitoring section also benefits from the 120-volt
technology. This means that the consciously sound-oriented design and highest quality
components result in superb technical specifications providing the ultimate listening quality.
When the best conditions are given for analog signals to be played back, the desire for the
cleanest and most neutral monitoring is also satisfied. Technical evidence suggests that
signal disturbances are far below audible limits and sometimes even near to measuring limits.
What is left is sound — unaltered and unlimited, within what is technically feasible. You actu-
ally listen to music instead of a “Controller” and its characteristics.
Calibration
Considering that even the slightest level variation of 0.5 dB can produce differences in the
perception of sound quality, it is of utmost importance to be able to make precise compari-
sons with several loudspeakers or headphones. That is the reason why one of the basics of
monitoring is the calibration of loudspeakers and headphones. Power amplifiers and active
loudspeakers have to be adjusted to the reference level measured at the listening point.
The calibration is made with a sound level meter (or SPL meter; in this case SPL stands for
Sound Pressure Level). The SPL meter can also be used to measure headphones when placed
between the cups. Recommended calibration procedures and other exciting information on
monitoring are incorporated into Bob Katz‘s “K-System,” where monitoring, metering, and
leveling are defined and standardized as an integrated process (Level Practices Part One and
Two, by Bob Katz, Digital Domain, Inc., www.digido.com).
Mute
Use the Mute control to momentarily turn off both Monitor outputs without having to modify
the level settings.
MON B
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DIM