How are the input gains set-up on the ARES-M?
The input of the ARES-M has 3 principal stages. The analogue microphone pre-amplifier front end, the PGA (Programmable Gain Amplifier) and the DGA (Digital Gain Adjustment). Different adjustments are available at all three stages. Only one, the recording level is readily accessible from the front panel by the user (using the left/right keys). The microphone pre-amplifier stage has two selectable sensitivity settings which correspond to a typical dynamic microphone (34 dB) and the NAGRA microphone (19 dB); this selection is made in the Screwdriver menu in the Input device manager. Dynamic microphone sensitivity is low and needs more gain than a condenser or electret microphone. So, if a dynamic microphone is used, 34 dB gain is needed, and if a condenser microphone such as the NAGRA one, or any other external condenser microphone (such as the SONY ECM MS907 Stereo microphone) then 19dB gain should be selected. The correct selection of this gain will avoid the saturation of the PGA and D
