Volume Settings

Summary

• Volume vs. Level: terminology
• Accessing the volume settings page
• Level display unit
• Level settings
  • Reference recall volume (NOVA only)
  • Maximum level
  • Dim attenuation
  • Current/Reference/Limit graphic
• Level display offset

 

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Volume vs. Level: Terminology

• Volume refers to the perceived loudness of audio from the listener’s perspective. It is subjective and depends on the listener’s environment, hearing, and preferences.
• Level is a technical measurement of audio signal strength, expressed in units such as dB (dBFS), dBC, or Cinema Units. It provides an objective, quantifiable way to set and control audio output.

 

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Accessing the Volume Settings Page

1. Click System on the top navigation bar.
2. Select the General icon (three gears).
3. Click the Volume tab.

 

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Level Display Unit

The Level Display Unit dropdown allows you to choose how volume levels are displayed on-screen. 

Options include:

Level Display Units

Unit	Description
dB	Displays levels relative to unity gain (0 dB = input signal is not reduced, though the total output accounts for acoustic filters).
dBC	Displays actual acoustic pressure level using C-weighting, reflecting how louder sounds are perceived. Standard cinema reference: 85 dBC.
Cinema	Commercial cinema scale from 0–10, where 7 = 85 dBC (reference) and 0 = 0 dBFS. Useful for installations aligned with cinema standards.

 

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Level Settings

Reference Recall Volume (NOVA only)

NOVA includes a setting called Reference Recall Volume, which allows users, such as mixers, to recall their reference listening level at any time. 

This is particularly critical in post-production environments where standardized mixing levels are essential to avoid mixes that are too loud or too quiet.

Maximum Level

• Sets the highest volume the system can output.
• Default: +10 dB.
• Useful for preventing excessive volume levels.

Dim Attenuation

• Temporarily lowers the volume without muting.
• Default attenuation: -20 dB (adjustable).
  
  

 

Current/Reference/Limit Graphic

• Current Listening Level: shown as a teal sliding bar.
• Reference Level (NOVA only): Indicated by a vertical line and the word "Reference." Adjusting the reference recall volume moves the text and arrow..
• Limit Level: marked with a red indicator and bar. The processor cannot enter in the red zone.

 

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Level Display Offset

• Customizes how “full volume” appears to the end user.
• Useful for adjusting the onscreen number if needed.

Actual Listening Level vs. Displayed Level

• Provides a numeric comparison between:
  • Actual Listening Level (using the selected display unit).
  • Displayed Level (after applying any level display offset).
• Ensures the displayed number aligns with the installer’s intentions and is intuitive for the end user.