Question: How do I maximize the gain structure when using my 3000 Series IEM system?

Answer: When using audio components that introduce a variety of volume or gain levels throughout the signal chain, it is important to maximize the desired signal over unwanted noise at each step of the way. This concept is often referred to as gain structure or gain staging. When you send a signal through your audio system components, each volume step in the signal chain may amplify the signal only, attenuate the signal only, or allow the signal to be increased or decreased. The signal gains noise simply by passing through different components, but especially when the signal is boosted excessively. If your gain structure is not maximized, hiss or other noise may be added to the signal, even when you are not operating at a high SPL (sound pressure level).

As the number of components in your system increases, you must pay closer attention to the gain structure. A simple setup consisting of a single wireless microphone connected to a single mixing console input and sent to a powered speaker may have six gain stages for the signal to pass through on its way from the microphone input to the speaker output. The first gain stage is the input gain on the microphone transmitter of the wireless system. If this is set too high, a loud singer may overdrive the signal, creating distortion. Alternatively, if the gain is set too low for someone who sings softly, the volume level will likely need to be increased later in the signal chain, possibly adding noise. Setting the transmitter input gain appropriately for the sound source level will maximize this step in the signal chain. The second gain stage in this simple signal chain is the output level of the wireless microphone receiver, followed by the mixing console channel input gain, channel output, master or buss output, and powered speaker amplifier gain level. A larger setup may include hundreds to thousands of gain stages.

A clear indicator that your gain structure needs attention is having one gain stage set extremely low and the next set extremely high to compensate, or vice versa. To fix this, you may want to level off the two gain stages to meet more in the middle. But the optimal setting will depend on the application. As with many things in audio, there is not always a “right answer” but rather “right for this particular instance.”

The Audio-Technica 3000 Series IEM system has three gain stages: the transmitter input sensitivity, the body-pack receiver audio gain setting, and the headphone output gain level.

To set the transmitter input sensitivity:

• With the transmitter powered on, press the transmitter’s control dial and scroll to display “SENSITIVITY.” Press the control dial to select.
• Use the control dial to set the input gain as needed.

  • Input gain can be adjusted from -9 to +21 dB in 1 dB increments.

• Press the control dial to save and store the selected gain.

* Use the AF meters on the transmitter display to set a healthy level.

To set the body-pack receiver audio gain:

• With the receiver powered on, press the SET button in the battery compartment to display the menu screen.
• Use the UP/DOWN button to display “AUDIO.” Press the SET button to select.
• Use the UP/DOWN button to display “GAIN.” Press the SET button to select.
• Use the UP/DOWN button to set the gain as needed.

  • Receiver gain can be adjusted from -12 to +6 dB in 6 dB increments.

• Press the SET button to save and store the selected gain.

* Use the AF meter on the body-pack receiver display to set a healthy level. Press the UP/DOWN button to switch between display screens and view the RF/AF meters (Frequency display → Name display → Group and channel display → Level meter display).

Use the ON/OFF/Volume knob on the top of the body-pack receiver to increase or decrease the level going to your in-ear monitors.

These are just three gain stages in the overall setup. Make certain the gain structure for your input sound sources, mixing console, and monitor output levels are all maximized to ensure you get the best performance out of your equipment. We should also note that the 3000 Series IEM has an audio limiter, which can be adjusted to maximize your signal performance and protect your ears from excessive volumes.

If you have further questions on how to maximize your gain structure when using your 3000 Series IEM, please contact the Audio Solutions Department.