Hey guys,
I'm a student working in audio and video post-production. I've looked around but didn't find much on what should be a simple question. Basically, what volume levels are ideal for all my components to minimize hiss and distortion?
My setup:
iMac, outputting audio via USB to audio interface (M-Audio MobilePre -- ).
MobilePre outputting audio via 1/4" TRS cables to powered near-field studio monitors (M-Audio BX5a's -- [url=http://www.m-audio.com - Studiophile BX5a Deluxe - 70-watt Bi-amplified Studio Reference Monitors).
Now there are 4 separate ways to control volume that's being output from my Mac, for a simple example, from iTunes:
-iTunes volume control (currently set at around 75%)
-Mac's volume control (the traditional system volume [F11/F12] keys become disabled, but I can set an output level through the MobilePre driver installed into System Preferences, currently set at -6dB)
-MobilePre's physical knob (the knob I currently and would preferably use to actually turn the volume up and down; turning it halfway up gives me a good amount of loudness)
-Volume knob on the back of each studio monitor (each one currently set at just below halfway)
So... I've messed around with it a little, but what's the proper way to have things set so I can have just one volume control? I've read conflicting opinions online from people saying you should control audio from the software (eg., iTunes, Logic, Pro Tools), others say not. What volume levels should I ideally set my monitors at, and are they normally set there and rarely if ever adjusted? Thanks for the help.
Comments
Thanks for the great informative post. It's working well now wit
Thanks for the great informative post. It's working well now with that setup.
Let me know if this question should belong in another thread, but in my left monitor I also occasionally notice (only when there is nothing playing) some "burps" or little low-pitched blips it lets out, a few in a row. I'm thinking it might be interference (I'm surrounded by an iMac, second monitor, three external hard drives, a TV, and my cell phone) but what do you guys think?
Also, I have a small, light LCD monitor sitting atop my right monitor. I know it's probably not best practice to have things on top of the speakers, but given my small desk I don't have another place for it for the time being. Can this potentially cause damage to the monitor, or is it nothing to worry about if it's light enough? Thanks again.
Data phones are notorious for sending bursts that are picked up
Data phones are notorious for sending bursts that are picked up on "tape" during live classical performances. I'd start there and turn it off while recording. It won't affect mixing at all. Extra monitors....that depends on the robustness of your computer motherboard and PCIe bus. As to damaging the LCD lamps on a monitor, it is possible but not too likely especially if it is LED based vice LCD.
Hi, and welcome! A bit on terminology to start with. Volume is
Hi, and welcome!
A bit on terminology to start with. Volume is the perceived amplitude of the physical sound emanating from an instrument or (in this case) a loudspeaker. What goes into the loudspeaker is an electrical signal level, and setting the levels correctly between successive pieces of equipment is called gain staging.
With this type of gear, you should be aiming to run the digital sections at near full-scale, and then adjust the output level to give you a comfortable listening volume after the signal has been converted from digital to analog. However, not all commercial programme matter obeys rules like that.
Try running both the iTunes and the Mac outputs at full scale and doing all your adjustment on the (analog) knob on the MobilePre. If you are having to keep this very low in order not to blast you and the neighbours out of your houses, you will need to reduce the sensitivity control on the rear of the monitors.