input sensitivity vs input level

I'm using a Boss BR900CD and I'm trying to figure a couple of things out. When do I use the input sensitivity versus using the input level? They seem to be doing the same thing...I can turn one up louder if I turn the other one down. What's the right mix?

Ok, well, I felt bad that no one was answering so, not being familiar with this unit I went out and read the manual. Have you? The sensitivity is what they are calling the signal going into the machine. It matters not what the level is set at. If the signal is too hot it will clip. So, do what it says and play or sing as loud as you are going to with the fader off and adjust it so the little light just flickers at the hottest part of the song for that source. The light comes on at -6 db from clipping it says. So adjust it to where it's not going to clip and then turn up the fader until you get a good level. Of course you can always turn the sensitivity down as much as you want but you may not get enough level to get a good recording if you.

On most consoles or mixers this is called the trim pot. Not sure why Boss calls it what it does.

Adjusting the input sensitivity

When input from GUITAR/BASS/MIC2 or MIC1 is selected,
adjust their input sensitivity with the relevant SENS knob.

In order to record at a good sound level, you should adjust the
input levels so that the PEAK indicator lights momentarily
when a guitar is strummed strongly or vocals are sung loudly

Hey Old Cane, thanks for responding. I did read the manual, although the manual I have words it a little differently than that. Maybe they modified the manual over the years or something. The same principle applies.

When input from GUITAR/BASS/MIC2 or MIC1 is selected,
adjust their input sensitivity with the relevant SENS knob.

In order to record at a good sound level, you should adjust the
input levels so that the PEAK indicator lights momentarily
when a guitar is strummed strongly or vocals are sung loudly

The problem is that I'm using the "line" input, which doesn't have the light that the instrument and mic inputs have. I have the knob to turn, but not the light to watch on that particular input.
In case it matters for any reason, what I'm doing is recording from the line out of my Weber MiniMass.
Any ideas of what to do with that knob when there isn't a light blinking?

most likely, the line input bypasses the preamp, which is why the light doesn't come on. just go by your software indicator (whatever that might be).

Well, like it says,

When input from GUITAR/BASS/MIC2 or MIC1 is selected,
adjust their input sensitivity with the relevant SENS knob.

If you aren't using one of those then wood has the answer above. I'm using the manual they have posted at:

http://lib.roland.co.jp/manual/en/dl_05-05881/BR-900CD_e6.pdf

Thanks for the input guys.
When input from GUITAR/BASS/MIC2 or MIC1 is selected,
adjust their input sensitivity with the relevant SENS knob.
I'm not using either of those inputs. The input I am using has the SENS knob but no light...not that it doesn't trigger the light, just plain doesn't have one.
I guess I just have to play with the SENS knob, the input level, and the fader and hope for the best.
One more reason to ditch this setup in favor of a computer based system.

One more reason to ditch this setup in favor of a computer based system.

+1 ... it's easy to get going when you have this forum for support!

+1 ... it's easy to get going when you have this forum for support!

Yeah...it's simply the financial situation holding me back at this point. Maybe I should try to sell this thing and just roll the money over into a computer setup. You may recall from another thread that I recently got a new laptop, so I really think that would be a good way to go.

hey morroben, i wouldn't be so quick to toss that br unit. i have the 1180 and have had great results with it. if you are using the line inputs, only the input level knob will work. when you use mic/guit 1 and 2, the sensetivity knob is a blessing when using a mic for acoustic guitar or vocals.
try setting the input level to half and adjust the sens knob so the light doesn't flash. that should give you a clean undistorted sound and you'll have the head room to crank the input level the rest of the way afterwards without any distortion. (clipping) the songs below were all done on the 1180. and yes, it was quite a learning curve!

Thanks Giginthesky...that's more or less what I've been doing. I bought this thing in '05 and still don't like it. I've used it more in the last year than I did before, but it's still annoying. It sounds okay, it's just a pain in the *** to use.

Well, again:

When input from GUITAR/BASS/MIC2 or MIC1 is selected,
adjust their input sensitivity with the relevant SENS knob.

So if you aren't using one of those inputs, go back and read woodman's post about this. It is bypassing it according to Boss.