Sound Devices 302 Production Mixer User Guide

							302 Compact Production Mixer 
User Guide and Technical Information page 11 
engages each Output Limiter separately. They will act on each respective output bus independently of the 
other. 
While all dynamics processing “distorts” the audio signal, overloading a circuit is usually far more objectionable. For 
most applications the limiters are a signi cant bene t and should be enabled. 
HEADPHONE MONITORING 
The 302 has a fl  exible headphone circuit capable of selecting a variety of audio signals for listening in head-
phones. Most professional headphones ranging in impedance from 8 ohms to 1000 ohms can be used with 
the 302. 
NOTE: THE 302 IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING EAR-DAMAGING LEVELS IN HEADPHONES. TURN 
DOWN THE HEADPHONE VOLUME BEFORE SELECTING A MONITORING SOURCE. 
The headphone level control adjusts the overall volume sent to the headphones. The level control adjusts 
both the left and right headphone outputs simultaneously. 
HP Monitor Selection 
Several signal sources can sent to the headphones. The front panel rotary switch selects the signal. 
(PFL) 1  PFL solo monitoring of the channel one input signal. Channel is monitored in mono. Pre-
fade, post limiter, post high-pass. Useful for setting the channel gain. 
(PFL) 2 
same as above, but for channel 2 input 
(PFL) 3
same as above, but for channel 3 input 
L 
left output bus, monitored dual-mono 
R 
right output bus, monitored dual-mono 
M 
summed mono of left and right output bus 
ST  stereo monitoring of master output bus. This is the primary monitoring path 
RT N  stereo return from the RTN monitor input path 
M-MS 
monitoring of the mono signal of an MS stereo signal 
ST-MS 
monitoring of discrete MS signals in headphones as decoded stereo signal 
RTN-MS 
monitoring of discrete MS return signal in headphones as decoded stereo signal 
Headphone Level and Overload LED 
The headphone level knob controls overall headphone level to the phones. The adjacent LED indicates that 
the headphone circuit is overloading. The LED will also illuminate with an overloaded RTN signal. 
Return Monitoring 
Return input 
connector
adjust return 
input level  
						

							page 12 302 Compact Production Mixer 
User Guide and Technical Information 
Indicated by the RTN positions on the rotary switch, audio sources connected to the mixers 3.5-mm jack 
labeled RTN can be monitored in headphones. Return, or “confi  dence monitoring,” is useful to monitor au-
dio from a camera or recorder. Typically, camera headphone outputs are used as the Return Monitor source. 
Return levels are controlled by the heaphone level, while the return level sensitivity can be adjusted with 
the return input level controls. 
TONE OSCILLATOR/SLATE MICROPHONE 
A single 3-position switch controls the tone oscillator and slate microphone. The tone/slate switch is located 
in the upper right corner, protected from inadvertent engagement by the end panel. When the tone oscillator 
or slate microphone is engaged inputs are muted. 
 
Tone Oscillator 
Tone is used to set gain levels between the 302 and the next device in the signal path. The tone oscillator 
uses the locking position of the switch. NOTE: this switch can be reassigned in the Setup Menu. 
From the factory, the tone oscillator is set to output a 1 kHz tone at 0 dBu to the outputs (when the outputs 
are set to Line level). If you are interconnecting primarily with analog video cameras, you may want to 
modify to the tone output level to +4 dBu in the Setup Menu. In the Setup Menu, the tone frequency and 
output level can be adjusted or tone can be defeated altogether. 
When engaged, the 302 tone oscillator attenuates the headphone output by 20 dB to protect the operator ’s 
ears. This feature can be defeated in the Setup Menu. 
Left/Right Verifi cation 
Pressing the battery check button when the tone oscillator is active sets the left output level to cycle between 
0 and –20 dB. This is helpful to verify proper left and right channel connection. Turning off the tone oscilla-
tor or pressing the battery check button again stops the output cycling. 
Slate Microphone 
The slate microphone is used to audibly notate scenes at the mixer location.  Its audio performance is not 
suitable for critical recording applications; it should only be used for documenting scenes to tape. The slate 
mic uses the momentary switch position. 
In the Setup Menu, a one second 400 Hz tone can be set to precede the slate microphone. The slate micro-
phone signal is sent to all outputs. In the Setup Menu, the slate microphone can be disabled altogether to 
prevent unintended activation. Additionally, the switch assignments of slate and tone can be reversed for 
user convenience. 
THE METER 
The meter on the 302 provides a great deal of audio signal information for the operator. The ability to view 
peak level (PPM), average levels (VU), or a combination of both is unique to Sound Devices LED-based 
meters. In addition to the fl  exibility to provide multiple meter ballistics, the meter does not have the inher-
ent limitations of LCD and mechanical meters—sluggish indications in cold temperature with LCD’s and 
fragility with mechanical meters. The 302 meters share the same technology and software programmability 
used in Sound Devices larger 442 fi  eld mixer and on the 7-Series digital recorders.  
						

							302 Compact Production Mixer 
User Guide and Technical Information page 13 
Source 
The meter can display levels of the output buses, the PFL levels or levels from the RTN inputs. Default 
operation is always the output bus except when PFL’s are selects from the Headphone Selection Switch. This 
operation can be modifi  ed in the Setup Menu. 
press to cycle through 
available meter bal-
listics selections
press to 
change LED 
brightness 
Scale 
When viewing peak information on the meter, its scale is calibrated in peak-reading dBu. When viewing VU 
information, its scale cooresponds to VU units. NOTE: Unlike other analog mixers, the 302 is calibrated 
with its 0 VU reference at 0 dBu, not +4 dBu. If you primarily interconnect with analog video cameras, 
set the 0 VU reference to +4 dBu by making the change in the Setup Menu. The 302’s scale is designed for 
digital recording devices, providing maximum information between –30 dBu to 0 dBu where typical peaks 
occur (–50 to –20 dBFS). This allows the user to record with a full 12 to 20 dB of headroom while in the fi ne-
resolution green-colored part of the meter. Additionally, the meter color changes to orange at 0 dBu and then 
red at +8 dBu. These color changes correspond to –20 dBFS and –12 dBFS respectively, which are commonly 
used recording levels for today’s digital recording devices. 
Ballistics 
The 302 output meter can indicate several different selections of ballistics. The available choices that are 
selected with the front panel meter ballistics button can be selected in the Setup Menu. To move from one 
setting to the next depress the meter ballistics button. Settings include:  
Peak - important setting used to know the absolute peak signal level to prevent overload of downstream 
devices. Peak-only is commonly used in Europe, but is being replaced by the PPM/VU combination 
metering. 
VU - calibrated to show average loudness of audio signals. Useful when connecting to analog recorders or 
in combination with peak readings. VU meters are too slow to be used as the sole metering with digital 
devices. Note that the 302 factory default has its 0 VU reference at 0 dBu. 
Peak with VU combination - a very informative setting which for many users is the default used with the 
302. Indicates the absolute peak level as well as the “loudness” of the signal. 
Peak-Hold with VU - similar to Peak/VU combination, but with the peak level being held for 1500 ms. 
Useful when a peak signal is encountered while the operator is not viewing the meters - peak held long 
enough to know if signal exceeded desired levels. 
Illumination Intensity 
The output meter can be set for comfortable viewing in all lighting conditions. Four levels of brightness are 
available by depressing the meter brightness button.  
						

							page 14 302 Compact Production Mixer 
User Guide and Technical Information 
MIXER LINKING 
make the connection between 
Tape Out and Mix In 
To add inputs to the 302, an additional mixer can can be connected (linked) into its Mix In connection. The 
unbalanced Mix In connection is directly compatible with Sound Devices MixPre, 302, and 442 mixers. A 
simple connection between those mixer Mix Out/Tape Out and the 302 Mix In adds their input channel to 
the 302’s output bus. The unit connected via the Mix In will contain all inputs. 
When linking with a 442 a system of seven microphone inputs is achieved. Generally when linking to a 442, 
the 442 is used as the master, linking with the 302’s Mix Out to the 442’s Mix In. At the 442 outputs, all seven 
inputs appear. 
Sound Device XL-1 accessory cable can be used to link multiple 302 mixers or 302 and 442 mixers. Sound 
Devices XL-3 accessory cable can be used to link a MixPre to the 302 for a system of fi ve inputs. Note: link 
cables must be wired to short pin-1 to connector shell in order to open the Mix In connection. 
POWERING 
The 302 can be powered from either internal batteries or from external DC. The power-effi  cient 302 can 
operate from three AA alkaline batteries for nearly a production day (less with phantom powering). While 
many users prefer external DC sources to power both their mixer and wireless receivers, the use of internal 
batteries is perfectly feasible for both primary and backup powering of the 302. 
Power Switch and LED 
The 3-position power switch selects between internal batteries, external DC, or power off. Because of the 
power supply design of the 302, the unit takes approximately 10 seconds to fully stabilize its power sup-
ply after power-up. Additionally, there is suffi  cient capacitance in the circuit to toggle between internal and 
external without disruption in audio. 
The power LED illuminates solid green to indicate good power. When the power source falls below the 
threshold voltage (see chart on next page) the power LED begins to fl ash. Once fl  ashing changing the power 
source is recommended. 
Internal Batteries 
The 302 uses a unique battery tube to hold 3-AA batteries. This robust tube is sealed to prevent potential 
battery leakage from ruining internal circuitry. The threaded-nickel cap extends beyond the panel to make 
battery changes easy and quick.The battery tube extends no farther than adjacent XLR connectors. 
Note: Remove batteries when the unit is stored for extended periods. 
External DC Sources 
For extended mixer runtime use an external DC source. The 302 can be powered from any DC source with 
a voltage range of 5 volts to 18 volts. If using an AC-to-DC transformer, such as a Sound Devices XL-WPH, 
make certain its output voltage falls in the 5–18 V range and can supply at least 4 watts. If an over voltage 
is applied to the mixer, an internal poly fuse is opened to prevent mixer damage. The fuse is reset when the 
voltage is removed.  
						

							302 Compact Production Mixer 
User Guide and Technical Information page 15 
The external DC supply is isolated (fl  oating) from the circuitry to minimize ground loop and interaction 
among devices sharing the same DC source. The external DC connector is a Hirose 4-pin female. This lock-
ing connector mates to Hirose P/N HR10-7P-4P (Sound Devices P/N XL-H). Pin-1 is negative and pin-4 is 
the positive voltage. 
Power Metering 
The battery check button indicates battery voltages of internal and external power supplies on the output 
meter. The left meter shows the internal battery voltage and the right meter shows the external battery 
voltage. Since many different battery types are available for external use, the external DC metering can be 
customized for a given battery in the Setup Menu. The power meter is read from left to right, with the high-
est voltage indicated with LED’s lit all the way to the left (green). 
Power Consumption 
The 302 can vary in the amount of current it draws. Several functions of the 302 directly affect current draw 
in different ways. The following list highlights the larger current drawing functions (listed from highest to 
lowest current draw). 
Microphone powering 
the main source of current beyond the idle current draw. (See Phantom and T- Microphon Powering) 48 V phantom can draw copi-
ous amounts of current out of the batteries depending on what model microphone is used. Two phantom powered microphones 
draw twice as much current as one. Microphones vary widely in their current draw depending on type and phantom voltage 
applied 
Output drive level 
higher output drive levels into multiple, low-impedance inputs increases current draw 
Headphone output  high headphone output levels increase current draw 
Meter brightness  current draw is slightly increased with higher illumination intensities 
Experimentation is recommended to determine battery life for each individual setup and application. 
THE SETUP MENU 
The 302 has 18 available setup features (see Setup Chart for all available options). Setups, typically set-and-
forget features, are infrequently changed. With the Setup Menu, these features are easily accessed directly 
on mixer ’s the front panel. 
Entering the Setup Menu 
To access the Setup Menu perform the following steps: 
1.  Turn off the mixer, if already on. 
2.  Press and hold the Peak/VU selection switch while switching power on. 
3.  The Setup Menu is now entered. 
press and hold while 
powering on to enter 
Setup Menu; also 
used to advance to 
the next setup functions as the 
“down” button 
when in a setup functions as the 
“up” button when 
in a setup  
						

							page 16 302 Compact Production Mixer 
User Guide and Technical Information 
The mixer will not pass audio when in the Setup Menu. When in the Setup Menu the fl  ashing LED on the 
left meter (L) position indicates the selected setup feature. The right meter (R) position indicates the values 
selected for the setup. Use the PK/VU button advance from one setup to another. If the intended setup is 
passed, setup mode must be re-entered since you can only step forward through the Setup Menu. 
To adjust values, the meter brightness button (down) and the battery check button (up) allow selection 
among setup values. Some setups have multiple values while others have only two values. 
Setup Example 
The following steps show how to change the tone frequency from the factory default of 1 kHz to 100 Hz. 
1.  Enter the setup menu by pressing and holding down the PK/VU button while powering the mixer. Hold 
the button until the –30 LED begins fl ashing. 
2.  Press the PK/VU button six times until the left meter LED fl  ashes at the –16 position (see Setup Chart for 
a list of all setups). 
3.  To move among parameter values, press the brightness button (down) and battery check button (up) 
until the 100 Hz position is selected (–24 LED will illuminate solid). 
4.  Press the PK/VU button multiple times until the meters perform their scrolling dance. This saves the 
new setting into memory. 
To save new values to memory, the PK/VU button must be repeatedly pressed until the last setup is 
reached. At that point the meters will “dance” and the new values will be saved to memory. 
User Default 
A memory location is available to store user-defi  ned default settings. The user default is helpful to save a  
baseline of settings different than the factory default settings. To save a user default perform the following: 
1.  Hold down both the meter brightness button and battery check button while powering the mixer. 
2.  The current settings will be saved as the user default. 
The user default settings can be recalled from the setup menu by applying the user default restore (see 
Setup Chart). 
Output Limiter Adjustment 
Output limiter thresholds are adjustable between +4 dBu and +20 dBu in 1 dB increments. The threshold 
level is shown on the lower (right) meter string by illuminating LEDs. Because LEDs are spaced every 4 dB, 
a combination of fl  ashing and solid adjacent LEDs indicate limiter levels between the numbered LEDs. Fac-
tory default is 20 dBu. Each press of the battery button or meter brightness control changes the threshold by 
1 dB. Three possible LED indications show threhold value: 
• Single solid LED - actual value indicates threshold. 
• Flashing LED next to a solid LED - indicates that the threshold is one dB above or below the solid LED 
value.
• Two solid LEDs - threshold value is even number value between the two indicated values.
Two examples are shown below, a setting of +10 dBu and +11 dBu thresholds. 
both “8” and “12” LEDs 
solid indicates +10 dBu 
limiter threshold “8”  ashing and “12” solid 
indicates +11 dBu limiter 
threshold  
						

							302 Compact Production Mixer 
User Guide and Technical Information page 17 
SPECIFICATIONS 
Measurement settings (unless otherwise specifi  ed):  Gain controls for the channel being measured at mid 
point, all other channels gains fully down; pan switches centered; high-pass off; inputs in ‘mic’ position; 
outputs in ‘line’ position. Mic input driven with 150 ohm source. Outputs measured with 100k ohm load. 
Temperature at 25º C. 
Maximum Gain, typical (trim, fader, master, phones RTN fully up): 
 XLR Input 
Mic Setting  XLR Input 
Line Setting RTN /
ch 4/5
XLR Output @ factory (line) setting 
75 dB  35 dB  20 dB 
XLR Output attenuated 
0–16 dB 
2 dB steps 40–56 dB, 
2 dB steps 25–41 dB, 2 
dB steps 
Tape Output TA3-type 
61 dB  21 dB  6 dB
Headphones, 1/4-in and 3.5 mm 
95 dB  55 dB  30 dB  
Inputs 
 Impedance: 
(Ohms Actual) Type: For use with: Max Input Level: 
XLR, mic setting 
2.5k  transformer-balanced  < 600 ohm mics  0 dBu (0.78 Vrms) 
XLR, line setting 
16k  transformer-balanced  < 2k ohm outputs  +40 dBu (80 Vrms) 
Mix In 
4.2k  unbalanced, stereo  302, 442 Mix Out (1.8k)  +6 dBu (1.5 Vrms) 
Return & ch 4/5
10k  unbalanced < 2k ohm outputs +30 dBu
Outputs 
 Impedance: 
(Ohms Actual)  Type:  For use with: 
Max Output Level: 
XLR, factory Line setting 
150  active-balanced  >= 600 ohm mics  +20 dBu (7.8 Vrms) 
XLR, mic (lowest) setting 
150  active-balanced  6k ohm inputs  +6 dBu (1.5 Vrms) 
Headphones - 3.5 mm  
200  unbalanced, stereo  8–2k ohm phones  +20 dBu (7.8 Vrms) 
Frequency Response: 
20 Hz to 30 kHz, +0.2, –0.5 dB, 
–1 dB @ 5 Hz and 50 kHz typical 
Equivalent Input Noise: 
–126 dBu (–128 dBV) maximum (22 Hz to 22 kHz bandwidth,  at 
 lter, trim control fully up) 
Input Clipping Level: 
0 dBu minimum (trim control fully down) 
Line Output Clipping Level (1% THD): 
20 dBu minimum 
18 dBu minimum with 600 ohm load 
Dynamic Range: 
115 dB minimum (trim fully down) 
THD + Noise: 
0.007% typical (1 kHz, +4 dBu at Line out) 
0.009 max (50 Hz to 20 kHz, +18 dBu at Line out, fader fully up) Output Noise: 
–100 dBu (–102 dBV) maximum (22 Hz to 22 kHz bandwidth,  at 
 lter, master gain fully up, faders fully down) 
Common Mode Rejection Ratio: 
120 dB minimum at 80 Hz, mic input 
100 dB minimum at 10 kHz, mic input 
L/R Gain Matching, Mic In to Line Out: 
±0.1 dB 
High-Pass Filters: 
Switchable 80 Hz or 160 Hz, 12 dB/oct 
Mic Powering (each mic selectable): 
Dynamic (no power applied), 
12 V Phantom - through 680 ohm resistors, 10 mA per mic available, 
48 V Phantom - through 6.8k resistors, 10 mA per mic available, 
12 V T-Power - through 180 ohm resistors, 10 mA per mic available.  
						

							page 18 302 Compact Production Mixer 
User Guide and Technical Information 
Input Limiters: 
+18 dBu threshold, 20:1 limiting ratio, 1 mS attack time, 200 mS 
release time. 
Temperature:
Operating: –20°C to 60°C, 0 to 95% relative humidity; (non-condens-
ing); Storage: –40°C to 85°C 
Output Limiters: 
affects the Line Output and Tape Out, 
threshold selectable from +4 dBu to +20 dBu, 
1 dB steps, 20:1 limiting ratio, 1 mS attack time, 200 mS release 
time 
Power supply: 
Internal ±16 V (bi-polar) regulated audio rails, 2.4–6 V range internal 
batteries; isolated ( oating) external DC input jack, 5–18 V 
locking 4-pin Hirose connector, pin-4 = (+), pin-1 = (–), use Hirose 
#HR10-7P-4P (DigiKey# HR100-ND) for locking mating DC connec-
tor. Power Consumption: 
130 mA @ 4.5 V, internal batteries, idle, no phantom
55 mA @ 12 V external DC, idle, no phantom 
Metering: 
40-segment (2 x 20), sunlight-viewable 
Selectable Peak, VU, or Peak (with or without peak hold) + VU 
ballistics 
Weight:
0.85 kg, (1.8 lbs) unpackaged with three alkaline AA batteries 
Dimensions: 
47 mm x 214 mm x 114 mm (H x W x D) 
1.8” x 8.4” x 4.5” 
ACCESSORIES 
Several high-value accessories are available for the 302 mixer, including a carry-case, cables, and 
power accessories. For a full list of Sound Devices products and accessories, visit our web site 
www.sounddevices.com/products. 
CS-302 
Carry case designed exclusively for the 302 mixer. Features a bottom-
side pouch that accepts an NP-type battery and leather shoulder strap. 
Accepts Portabrace RM-multi and RM-deluxe accessories and AH-2 har-
ness (not included). Shown at left with RM-multi, not included.
XL-1  TA3-F to TA3-F link cable for 302-to-302 and 302-to-442 linking; 6-inch.
XL-3  3.5 mm to TA3-F link cable for MixPre/MP-2 Tape Output to 302 Mix In; 
12-inch.
XL-4  Bag of four (4) TA3-F-type connectors.
XL-H  Bare Hirose connector, (Hirose p/n HR10-7P-4P) to mate with locking 
4-pin DC power jack.
XL-NPH 
NP-type battery cup with 12-inch cable with Hirose 4-pin locking power 
jack at equipment end. For use with 302, 442N, 442, and MixPre.
XL-WPH 
Universal AC-to-DC power supply with Hirose 4-pin connector; 100–240 
VAC, 50/60 Hz  
						

							302 Compact Production Mixer 
User Guide and Technical Information page 19 
WARRANTY & APPROVALS 
Warranty 
Sound Devices, LLC warrants the 302 Production Mixer against defects in materials and workmanship 
for a period of ONE (1) year from date of original retail purchase. This is a non-transferable warranty that 
extends only to the original purchaser. Sound Devices, LLC will repair or replace the product at its discre-
tion at no charge. Warranty claims due to severe service conditions will be addressed on an individual 
basis. THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE. SOUND DEVICES, 
LLC DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF 
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SOUND DEVICES, LLC IS NOT 
RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY 
BREACH OF WARRANTY OR UNDER ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. Because some jurisdictions do not 
permit the exclusion or limitations set forth above, they may not apply in all cases. 
For all service, including warranty repair, please contact Sound Devices for an RMA number and send the 
302, along with proof of purchase date to: 
Sound Devices, LLC 
Service Repair RMA # XXXX
300 Wengel Drive 
Reedsburg, WI 53959 USA 
FCC Statement 
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the 
FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential 
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in ac-
cordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guaran-
tee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. 
CE Conformity Statement 
Declaration of Conformity 
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 
Manufacturer ’s Name:   Sound Devices, LLC 
Manufacturer ’s Address:   Sound Devices, LLC 
  300 Wengel Drive 
  Reedsburg, WI 53959 USA 
declares that the product:   302 Production Mixer 
is in conformity with: 
 Document No.  Description
  EN55103-1 (1997)   Emissions standard for product family audio devices for professional use
  EN55103-2 (1997)   Immunity standard for product family audio devices for professional use
  EN55022 (1995)/   Radiated and Conducted emissions, Class B
  CISPR 22 (1997) 
  EN61000-4-2 (1995)/   ESD - 6kV contact, 8kV air-discharge
 IEC1000-4-2 (1995) 
  EN61000-4-3 (1995)/   Radiated RF Immunity, 3 V/m, 80% 1 kHz amplitude modulation
 IEC1000-4-3 (1995) 
  EN61000-4-4 (1995)/   EFT/Burst, I/O lines, ± 0.25 kV to ± 1.0 kV
 IEC1000-4-4 (1995) 
  EN61000-4-6 (1996)/   Conducted RF Immunity, 3 V, 80% 1 kHz amplitude modulation
 IEC1000-4-6 (1996) 
Tested by:   L. S. Compliance, Inc. Cedarburg, Wisconsin 
March 26, 2003 
Matthew Anderson 
Director of Engineering  
						

							page 20 302 Compact Production Mixer 
User Guide and Technical Information 
ADVANCED GAIN STRUCTURE AND INTERCONNECTION 
The 302’s unique output attenuator circuit is adjusted in the Setup Menu. This can be thought of as a master 
gain control which comes after the 302’s output meter. This circuit allows the user to match the 302’s output 
level to any recording device. When properly set, the dynamic range of the system is maximized and the 
302’s meters will “match” the recorder ’s meters. 
For simple interconnection the following three setting are identical to setting the output switch on the 442 
mixer to “Line”, “Tape”, or “Mic.”. 0 dB – Line , 10 dB – Tape , 40 dB – Mic . 
However, to tailor the 302’s outputs exactly to the recording device, the 302’s output can be attenuated from 
full line-level in 2 dB steps from 0 to 16 dB (line/tape levels), then in 2 dB steps from 40 to 56 dB (mic levels). 
So if 40 dB of attenuation is “too hot” for a given device’s mic input, the attenuator could be set to 50 dB or 
more. 
When interconnecting the 302 to any recording device, the best way to set the level between them is to 
match the 302’s output clipping level with the recorder ’s input clipping level. When this is done and the 
recording device’s input gain controls are kept fi  xed, two things will happen: (1) The dynamic range of the 
recording is maximized. (2) All level metering can be done via the 302’s meter. 
The recorder ’s level meter can be ignored since the only way for the recorder to clip is for the 302 to clip. 
The 302’s meters match the recorder ’s meters in that the clip points match. Because most recorder ’s meter 
ballistics and scale are different, it is impossible to make the 302 meter exactly match a given recorder ’s 
meter. However, this is irrelevant if the clip levels match. 
The following information is intended for users with advanced knowledge of interconnection and gain structure 
only. 
Full Scale Tone 
To facilitate matching the clipping levels of the 302’s output to the recorder ’s clip level, the 302 includes 
a full-scale tone output function. “Full scale” is the same as “clipping level.” To activate this full scale 
tone, turn on the tone switch while in the Setup Menu –30 position. Be extremely careful when doing 
this, as a full-scale tone is extremely loud and can hurt the operator ’s ears. Make sure to turn down the 
headphone level and the level going to any amplifi  ers, etc. from the 302. 
The advanced way to set gain structure is as follows: 
1.  Connect 302’s XLR outputs to recording device. 
2.  Enter setup mode #1 (see “Setup Mode” section). 
3.  Turn down headphones and any amplifi  ers connected to the 302’s other outputs. 
4.  Turn on the tone oscillator via its switch. 
5.  Turn the recording device’s input gain control to its detented point (or half-way if no detent). 
6.  Adjust the 302’s output level via the up/down buttons until the recorder is just shy of clipping as 
indicated on its meter. 
7.  If the 302’s Output level is at 0 dB and the recorder is not to its clip level, increase the recorder ’s gain 
control until it is to the clip level. 
8.  Fix the recorder ’s gain controls with tape so that they do not get bumped. 
9.  Exit the 302’s setup menu by pressing the PK/VU switch until the startup sequence happens. Note:  
The Setup Menu must be exited in this manner or else the setting will not be saved. 
10. It is recommended that the 302’s limiters be turned on at all times, as they will not activate until just 
before clipping.