To use a microphone, plug the microphone�s XLR cable into any of the universal inputs. Whenever an XLR cable is connected to a universal input, the microphone preamp is enabled and the gain range of the trim knob is set to range from +10 to +58dB. The input impedance of each microphone preamp is 1.5Kohms. Full-scale input is 9dBu with the trim set to minimum gain. Layla3G and Gina3G provide 48 volts of phantom power for microphones that require it. To enable phantom power for Layla3G, press the button labeled +48v (the LED next to it will light up) and phantom power will be provided to all microphone inputs. Gina3G has a switch in the console software for this purpose. Note: Phantom power will not be applied to any line level equipment or guitars plugged in using cables with ¼� connectors. To record a guitar or line level signal, just plug a cable with a ¼� connector into one of the universal inputs. Whenever a ¼� cable is connected to a universal input, the guitar/line preamp is enabled and the gain range of the trim knob is set to range from 0 to +45dB. The guitar/line preamp can support both guitar & line level signals. The input impedance of each guitar/line preamp is 102Kohms. Full-scale input is 18dBu with the trim set to minimum gain. If you want to adjust the input level of a universal input, just turn the trim knob and watch the corresponding level meter. The red light at the top will light anytime the input signal is greater than �6.5dBFS (or within 6.5dB of clipping). The yellow light represents a signal greater than �12.5dBFS and the green light represents a signal greater than �24.5dBFS. For optimal audio quality, you should adjust the input trim knob so that your loudest recorded signal lights up the yellow light, but not the red. When the red meter light shines extra bright � you�ve clipped! If the signal level ever exceeds 0dBFS the signal will be �clipped� and you will hear a �pop� or �tick� in the recording. This is a very bad thing, and clipping should be avoided at all costs! There is enough headroom so that you can be conservative in this area, and there is no need to push the input levels right up to the edge of clipping.