What does the LEVEL light indicate on the VMS One pre-amp?
This is a "signal present" and clipping indicator.
It begins to light green when the output is about -7dBu. At the minimum gain setting, this requires about -22dBu. At maximum gain, this requires about -64dBu.
The unit begins to clip at about +19dBu output. At minimum gain, this is about +5dBu. At maximum gain, this is about -38dBu.
Green indicates signal level, and red indicates clipping. Orange or yellow is observed simply because red and green are mixing.
Will this light give me a clear indication of danger - like I'm going to blow the preamp? If so, what is the indication (red, bright green, etc)?
It would take an extreme amount of voltage to damage the preamp, unlikely to be put out by any line-level piece of gear. Certainly a microphone could not make this voltage. But yes, it will let you know that you are pushing the circuitry by lighting red.
You may observe yellow or orange as the signal begins to clip.
Be sure to check the max input of your interface to determine if the preamp could make enough voltage to permanently damage the input. This is also unlikely.
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