Template:T4S/T8S Gain Staging
The first thing you do when connecting a sound source to your ToneMatch mixer is set the input trim. This is gain staging. Then you can set the ToneMatch Preset for your source. We'll do both in the short video below.
At the beginning of the video, I'm doing a factory reset so we don't bump into any old settings. You do not have to do a factory reset before you set the input trim on your ToneMatch mixer.
- The trim controls across the top will be different
- The trim controls across the top of your ToneMatch mixer will likely be different. This is because the output levels of your input sources will likely be different. This is normal.
- Mixing - Use the volume controls not the trim controls
- Once you have set the input trim, you should not have to change it until you change the input source (e.g. different microphone, singer, or instrument). Do not use the trim control to change the channel volume. Use the channel volume control.
- Scenes
- Saved Scenes do not capture the trim, channel volume, or Master Volume settings.
Set Up Your Source
Set your source at the maximum that it will be when performing.
- Microphone
- Sing directly into the microphone using close microphone technique (lips just brushing the windscreen). Sing as loudly as you will sing during your performance. You want to set the Trim to work at your maximum volume.
- Instrument
- Turn your input as high as it is likely to go during performance.
Trim Controls
The ToneMatch Mixer[1] trim controls for Channels 1-4 (1-8 for the T8S ToneMatch mixer) provide a significant gain increase when you reach the upper limit. This increase in gain is normal operation.
Most sources like typical microphones and piezo pickup systems can provide enough level without the need to add significant gain from the trim control. Certain sources like passive acoustic guitar pickups require additional gain and in these cases it can be necessary to set the trim level to the upper range of the control. When the trim control is set this high you may notice the gain change. This is normal operation. If you want to run the trim control at lower settings we recommend using a preamp or simple stomp box level booster.
The trim for Aux input channels 5/6 (9/10 for the T8S ToneMatch mixer) do not exhibit the same behavior as the trim controls for Channels 1-4 (1-8 for the T8S ToneMatch mixer). The Aux inputs are designed for line level sources and do not have the same gain staging as channels 5/6 (9/10 for the T8S ToneMatch mixer).