Interpreting the Displays
As it arrives from the factory, the DLC displays are calibrated in decibels of positive or negative
gain (known as attenuation). If the concept of dB's of attenuation and gain are uncomfortable for
you, the displays may be set to display in a 0 to 99 scale. We recommend that you attempt to use
the dB scale first, as it is the calibration system used by most high quality preamplifiers. The
remainder of this section refers to the dB scale. Should you wish to change to the linear scale, see
the "Programming" section below.
At initial power-up the number "96" is shown. This is 96 dB below 0 dB (unity gain) known as
-96 dB, the DLC’s minimum volume, and under normal conditions will be very soft. Pressing the
"Volume ^" button decreases the attenuation by 0.5 dB, thus increasing the volume to -95.5 dB.
Since the displays only utilize two digits, the right decimal point in each display illuminates to
indicate the ½ dB step. The next press of the "Volume ^" button changes the gain to -95.0 dB and
the right decimal point goes off. This process continues all the way to maximum gain. Above 0
dB (unity Gain) you will enter the range of positive Gain. This condition is indicated by the
presence of the center decimal point in each display. Gain can be increased in the same 0.5 dB
steps up to the maximum of +31.5 dB. Under normal conditions, this would be very loud.
Similarly, pressing the "Volume v" button increases the attenuation, decreasing the volume,
according to all the same rules. Note mat all volume changes are subject to the programmed
minimum and maximum volumes which can be set during programming (see that section below.)
You will note that as you keep the Volume buttons depressed for more than a few seconds, the
rate of volume change increases in three steps. Holding the button down below -40 dB, ramps the
volume in 1 dB steps for the first 10 dB. It then accelerates to 4 dB steps for the next 10 steps,
and lastly 8 dB steps from then on. Once the -40 dB threshold is crossed, these rates are cut in
half. This feature allows you to make large volume changes without excessive delays. Releasing
the button at any time will reset the unit back to the slowest rate.
The Balance control works in a similar fashion, altering the volume of only one channel while
the other remains constant. If the channels are in balance, depressing “Balance <” increases the
right attenuation, decreasing the right volume. Depressing “Balance >” increases the left
attenuation, decreasing the left volume. If you have unbalanced the channels and wish to return
them to perfect balance, use this handy feature: Depress the "Mute" button, placing the DLC in
mute mode; now depress the "Balance" button corresponding to the channel which has the
desired volume. The channels will immediately equalize. If the channels are unbalanced and you
wish to re balance them step-by-step, the "Balance <=" or "Balance =>" buttons will adjust the
opposite channel first until the displays equalize, then they will follow the pattern described
above.
Other Important Information
Under normal conditions, the average system will utilize settings between -45 dB and +5 dB.
Note: Volume and Balance settings are specific to each Input. For example, you are listening to
Input 1 with Volume/Balance settings of -22.0 dB/-22.0 dB. Now Input 2 is selected. This
component has lower output and a slight channel imbalance, requiring settings of -19.5 dB/-18.0
dB to sound like Input 1. If you now go back to Input 1 the settings automatically return to -22.0
