unity gain
Posted by: C P on 24 February 2010
Quick couple of questions on UG. I've just attached my N-Vi to a 282 and Hi-cap 2. Sounding good already but still early days - not really warmed up or burned in yet. I had, for some reason, assumed that using Unity gain meant that only the N-Vi volume control would work and bypass the 282's. However, both are in circuit. I also find that the N-vi has to be driven quite high - late 20s - and the 282 volume pot needs to be set at over half to get a decent volume. Does this sound right or have I done something dumb? Any help appreciated.
Posted on: 24 February 2010 by Richard Dane
CP,
this sounds like you have not set the NAC282 Av input to Unity gain. Also, are you using the correct lead?
Posted on: 24 February 2010 by C P
Ah - OK. Thanks Richard. I assumed if I had output through the amp it was already set but maybe I need to map it. I'll have a look at maual again. I'm using a 5 pin din to 5 pin din from N-Vi to input 4 of the 282 which is what the dealer suggested and then plugging rest of gear as per instructions in N-Vi and 282 handbook.
Posted on: 24 February 2010 by C P
Just re-read the manual and it suggests that if UG is selected, when entering prog mode via the remote, the mute button will be illuminated. It's not. It suggests that to illuminate it and switch on UG you should press the prog button on the remote twice and this will do the job. However, this doesn't seem to work - tried pushing it slowly and quickly and neither switches on the illumination... anything I'm missing?
Posted on: 24 February 2010 by Richard Dane
CP,
to switch on Unity gain once you're in program mode, you need to press the Mute button twice. Then exit program mode.
Posted on: 24 February 2010 by C P
Ah - thanks. That's contrary to manual. I'll try it.
Posted on: 24 February 2010 by C P
brilliant. works. Thanks.
Posted on: 24 February 2010 by Richard Dane
Great!
I think the problem is the way the section is worded. I agree it could be read that way when it refers to pressing the same button twice.
From the manual:
Unity Gain enables an audio-visual processor to be integrated such that its volume control takes over command of signals connected to selected preamplifier inputs. On the NAC 552 Unity Gain may be selected on DIN input sockets 4 and 5. On all other preamplifiers it may be selected on only the av input.
To select Unity Gain, first switch the preamplifier into program mode by pressing and holding the handset prog key (with the handset in preamplifier mode). The front panel source mute button (NAC 202 mute button, NAC 152 XS and Nait 5i av button) will illuminate if Unity Gain is selected. If it is not enabled it can be switched on by pressing the same button twice.
Note: Unity Gain (AV Bypass) on the Nait XS is not engaged in program mode but via a rear panel switch.
With Unity Gain enabled on the NAC 552, pressing the source mute button again will reveal the inputs selected by their indicators illuminating for a short time. Repeated operation of the button will sequentially select each combination of the available inputs, and Unity Gain disabled. When the desired inputs are indicated, stop pressing the button. The selected inputs will then be enabled for Unity Gain. The handset can also be used to select Unity Gain. See table 28.10.
Unity Gain only becomes operational on exit from program mode by pressing and holding the handset prog key.
Note: The preamplifier will leave program mode automatically if no control commands are receved for five minutes.
Posted on: 24 February 2010 by C P
Yes, could be read either way but I think there's a slight bias towards the button being the prog button as that's the one already pressed. Anyway, seems to have worked and sounds great. Just need to puzzle out how to turn the pre-amp off on the N-vi now as I understand it improves performance. Thanks for your help.
