Monitoring levels

[BloodStar]

You all probably know this, but...

Be sure that you monitor on 0dB on your soundcard mixer and then attenuate on speakers or with some passive volume controller.

Every 6dB means 1bit. Lets say you have got -25dB on your soundcard, then you are loosing approx 4bits. When you are in 24bit project you currently listening to 20bits and not 24!!!!!

[stjohn]

that is interesting...ive never really thought about it.. im usually listening to -20 on my soundcard setup!!..

[BloodStar]

that is interesting...ive never really thought about it.. im usually listening to -20 on my soundcard setup!!..

I had it same. around -20 or -30 on soundcard, but after I found some articles about dB and bits I ordered cheap passive volume controller.

http://www.thomann.de/gb/sm_pro_audio_nano_patch.htm

[dirty_bass]

My soundcard is always at 0db.
From there I run into my desk and then into the amp to the monitors.

[RDR]

My soundcard is always at 0db.
From there I run into my desk and then into the amp to the monitors.

Snap.

because of the bit rate.

And its easier to turn the amp down.

[AcidTrash]

whatever sounds good.

[eyeswithoutaface]

interesting, i must say ive always had my monitors up on their volume and my soundcard always tends to stay around the -30 mark, but i must say ive never ran into any problems with my tracks and releases

but im thinking maybe i should turn the monitors down and start leaving the soundcard at around -0db from now on?

i have to admit to naivety concerning this issue

[BloodStar]

...but im thinking maybe i should turn the monitors down and start leaving the soundcard at around -0db from now on?

yeah, but problem with attenuating on monitors is, that volume knob has good resolution between lets say 0db to -20dB, but lower it gets pretty inacurate. at least this is how it is on my Adams. Its fine down to -22dB, but when I go lower to lets say -40 there is little difference between left and right speaker which is not the best for proper stereo listen... can be fine on your speakers, though.

[dirty_bass]

As a rule always hit 0db with your card. why listen to a sub standard signal.
In fact ensure your signal path is a clean and clear as possible, your monitors are the most important link to your kit.
You may not notice the difference but it will be there.
Especially when you start going for really fine EQ corrections, and for mastering

[dirty_bass]

but i must say ive never ran into any problems with my tracks and releases

Well I`m pretty sure you`ve not reached perfection yet, as it`s the never ending quest.
And any quest for improvement is healthy no?

[eyeswithoutaface]

of course not, i meant in general, i am on that quest as well you know chappie

[eyeswithoutaface]

i might invest in one of those passive controllers actually

[BloodStar]

bumping this one up for all who didnt spot it.

[josephjobling]

bumping this one up for all who didnt spot it.

cheers - glad you did - i never knew that either and i've seen a couple of mates of mine turning the sound card down too. i'll let them know - just wondering though why does this happen - i'm sure it's for an obvious reason but was trying to think why it would happen - my brain died

[DannyBlack]

Interesting wiki article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_bit_depth

[josephjobling]

cheers - interesting read