Configuring Audio

Correct calibration of audio is critical to the functioning of MaestroDMX. Take the time to understand and learn how to use this section.

Configuring Audio

Pre-Gain Level

The Pre-Gain level displays your original audio input level. The display meter has three color states:

• Blue: either there is no audio input or it is too low in volume 

• Green: audio input is within an acceptable range

• Yellow: audio input is in the upper end of the acceptable range

• Red: audio input is too loud and needs to be reduced

IMPORTANT: Ensure that your incoming audio feed turns the panel LED on the MaestroDMX unit or the Pre-Gain level in the Web-App green.

Post-Gain Level

Post-gain refers to the auto-gain applied to the audio input. In general, this level should be near the top of the range when music is playing.

Kick Sensitivity (Default: 50)

IMPORTANT: MaestroDMX’s algorithms require a reliable presence and/or detection of the kick drum from the musical input.

The Kick Sensitivity control is used to calibrate the detection of kick drum-based triggers depending on different styles of music. Here are some ranges:

• Electronic dance music: 0 - 50 

• Rock, Metal, Etc (music with real drumkits): 50 - 75

• Live Music (depending on the mix): 50 - 100

NOTE: If the Kick Sensitivity is too low, you risk missing kick drums, and conversely if the level is too high you risk getting false positives (incorrect triggers from other bass sounds). In general, it is better practice to get false positives than to miss kick drums altogether. Keep an eye on the detected triggers throughout your event.

Activity Level

Activity Level tracks how exciting the music is at any given moment. MaestroDMX’s algorithms and AI use the Activity Level to determine how exciting the lighting output should be. 

Activity Gain (Default: 0)

Adjusting Activity Gain allows you to calibrate the Activity Level for different music environments.

For pre-recorded, produced music Activity Gain is best set to 0. However, for live music, you may need to increase the Activity Gain, since live music does not have the same quality of production as canned music. 

To be clear, the Activity Level is not the same as the audio input level. This is a measure of the excitement of the music rather than the volume of the music, however, they are related.

IMPORTANT: To calibrate the Activity Level, play the most intense section of music (ie loud metal, rock, or chainsaw dubstep). Adjust the Activity Gain and make sure that the Activity Level reaches close to full scale. For more relaxed music the Activity Level should be lower.

Input Source

Select the audio input source. By default, MaestroDMX only has a single line-level input source that comes in via the RCA connector on the front panel.

External Audio Interface

You can also connect an external USB audio interface to MaestroDMX. This can be useful when you need to send a balanced signal or directly connect microphones. To activate the external audio input, be sure to select it on the Web App.

NOTE: Only inputs 1 & 2 of the USB interface will be used by MaestroDMX.