Compensate level changes with Output¶
The Output knob applies a post-tube gain trim to the processed signal. Use it to compensate for the level increase or decrease that Drive and Bias introduce, so the tube stage does not unintentionally push levels up or down in the rest of the chain.
Before you start¶
- The Tube stage must be enabled on the side you want to adjust (TX or RX). See Bypass the tube from either chain.
- Open either the docked applet ("Aetherial Mic-PreAmp" for TX, "Aetherial Dynamic Tube" for RX) or the floating editor (double-click the TUBE stage in the CHAIN widget).
Steps¶
- Locate the Output knob in the five-knob row (fourth from the left: Drive, Tone, Bias, Output, Mix).
- Turn Output clockwise to increase the post-tube level, or counter-clockwise to reduce it.
- Release the knob when the output level matches your target. The label under the knob updates in real time and shows the current value in dB (for example,
0.0 dB). - Optionally, watch the OUT level meter on the far right of the floating editor to confirm the post-saturation peak level. The meter is only visible in the floating editor, not in the docked applet tile.
What each control does¶
| Control | Default | Valid range | Persisted setting key |
|---|---|---|---|
| Output (TX) | 0.0 dB | −24.0 to 12.0 dB | ClientTubeTxOutputDb |
| Output (RX) | 0.0 dB | −24.0 to 12.0 dB | ClientTubeRxOutputDb |
Output is a post-tube make-up or trim gain. It acts after the Drive, Bias, and Tone stages, so it adjusts the final level without affecting the saturation character.
Output level meter¶
The floating editor includes an OUT peak level meter (the ClientLevelMeter widget) positioned at the far right of the editor panel. It shows the post-saturation peak level with fast-attack and slow-release ballistics and uses the following colour bands:
| Colour | Level range |
|---|---|
| Green | −60 to −12 dB |
| Lime | −12 to −6 dB |
| Amber | −6 to −3 dB |
| Red | Above −3 dB |
The meter is not present in the docked applet tile. It updates continuously alongside the knob controls whenever the floating editor is open.
Bypass dim¶
When the tube stage is bypassed, the entire docked applet tile renders at reduced opacity (approximately 55 % of normal). This matches the dim effect used on the EQ curve tile and gives a clear at-a-glance indication that the stage is not processing audio. The tile returns to full opacity as soon as the stage is re-enabled.
Tips¶
- If raising Drive increases loudness more than desired, reduce Output by a matching amount to keep the net level consistent.
- Use the OUT meter in the floating editor to verify that the post-tube signal stays below −3 dB (red) under normal operating conditions.
- Changes made in the floating editor and the docked applet stay in sync. A 30 Hz polling timer keeps both views updated, so adjusting Output in one location is reflected immediately in the other.
- When the applet tile appears dimmed, the tube stage is bypassed. Re-enable it before making Output adjustments, otherwise the trim has no effect on the live signal.