Studio monitor level

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Studio monitor level

By Doc00Cosel Thu Jan 01, 2015 6:04 pm
I was wondering what you guys have your monitoring level set at. In other words my octa capture is set at about 9 o clock and it blasts. I don't know if it matters but would I get better sound if I had it adjusted to blast at 12 o clock? I'm trying to get peak performance. My monitors are turned all the way up. Should I lower them? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Re: Studio monitor level

By Mike Boogie Fri Jan 02, 2015 4:02 pm
Turn that racket down...!

No seriously, Your monitors have a unity gain for a reason. At -0db is where you would get optimal frequency response for what ever monitors you have.

But I'm a rebel Dottie, so mine are almost universally locked at +3db for my personal enjoyment. But I'm am working a final mix... Back down to -0 they go.
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Re: Studio monitor level

By SupremeSoulstice Tue Jan 06, 2015 4:00 am
I've always wondered this myself. My events if pushed too hard clip in the red. It has knobs on the back that say -20db and -5db in the 12 o'clock position. I got it set there.
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Re: Studio monitor level

By SEMS Wed Jan 07, 2015 8:32 pm
Wal Martian wrote:Get an SPL meter and calibrate your monitors to around 70-75dBSPL


This, tho I think it's -85db SPL (C-weighted) isn't it? That's what I have mine set at. Very important to have this calibration IMO, it creates a base for you to work off. Was just discussing this with a friend of mine today, I gotta go around & calibrate his set up properly.
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Re: Studio monitor level

By jibber Wed Jan 07, 2015 8:43 pm
I've always wondered about this as well.

Thing is however: If i put my monitors at 0db, i can BARELY turn up the speaker knob on my mixer or it gets astronomically loud... and by barely i mean like... 1mm, really almost nothing...

So i always wonder, what is better? To take down my monitors volume (what i do actually) and give them a nice signal from my mixer, or turn them to 0db and barely give a strong signal from the mixer because it's getting too loud otherwise?

Then again, my room isn't treated and it sounds like shit anyway, unless i use headphones... :roll: :fku: :lol:
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Re: Studio monitor level

By Mike Boogie Wed Jan 07, 2015 9:15 pm
Jib you sure you don't have a gate somewhere in your signal chain?

My Yamaha AW16G was giving me the same type of issue on my input channels. I had to dig in the menu to get that BS turned off, haven't had an issue since...

My room isn't treated either, so it sounds like shit too. I just kinda learned to mix from reference tracks at my current volume. I also have my EV 18" sub connected to my aux outs in case I want "Dat THUMP!" :smoker:
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Re: Studio monitor level

By Wal Martian Wed Jan 07, 2015 9:54 pm
SEMS wrote:
Wal Martian wrote:Get an SPL meter and calibrate your monitors to around 70-75dBSPL


This, tho I think it's -85db SPL (C-weighted) isn't it? That's what I have mine set at. Very important to have this calibration IMO, it creates a base for you to work off. Was just discussing this with a friend of mine today, I gotta go around & calibrate his set up properly.

It comes down to preference and room size. Larger room - louder monitors. Dolby standard is 82dB (C weighted). AES standard is 78dB (C weighted).
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Re: Studio monitor level

By jibber Thu Jan 08, 2015 8:41 am
Mike Boogie wrote:Jib you sure you don't have a gate somewhere in your signal chain?

My Yamaha AW16G was giving me the same type of issue on my input channels. I had to dig in the menu to get that BS turned off, haven't had an issue since...

My room isn't treated either, so it sounds like **** too. I just kinda learned to mix from reference tracks at my current volume. I also have my EV 18" sub connected to my aux outs in case I want "Dat THUMP!" :smoker:


Yes, very simple setup, analog mixer. Monitors are connected directly to the speaker output of the mixer (which has a separate volume knob). I have my monitors level at about 9 o'clock. If i put them at 0db and raise speaker volume knob to 9 o'clock, my neighbours will come knocking at my door (and i need earplugs). Had the same with the Mackie 1640i... maybe my monitors are simply "loud"? They are adam A7X, no special settings dialed in at the back of the monitors (hi, mid, low are all at standard level).
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Re: Studio monitor level

By Doc00Cosel Wed Jan 21, 2015 1:24 pm
Mike Boogie wrote:Jib you sure you don't have a gate somewhere in your signal chain?

My Yamaha AW16G was giving me the same type of issue on my input channels. I had to dig in the menu to get that BS turned off, haven't had an issue since...

My room isn't treated either, so it sounds like **** too. I just kinda learned to mix from reference tracks at my current volume. I also have my EV 18" sub connected to my aux outs in case I want "Dat THUMP!" :smoker:



The AW-16G is legendary. One of my favorite pieces ever.
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Re: Studio monitor level

By mr3rown Mon Feb 09, 2015 10:51 pm
I cannot stress the importance of using "Unity" or 12'o clock, or 0dB, but also depending on the music you make, try to avoid playing it to loud for long periods, you will end up tiring your ears and you will end up hearing whatever you want to hear, and i guarantee the following day it will sounds like a mess!

I personally produce and level things at the same time, I don't need to turn the mains up to know its knocking, as I have trained my ears to listen and feel the sound.

Plus a meter signal will or a spectralizer can show you how a sound is behaving.

Tip: Look at how your speakers move, if they flap about, then there is some low end your not hearing and probably u dont need, so why have your monitors work under so much pressure when you can use that doing something else more worthwhile.

AW-16G
I have one of these, that needs repair, does anyone know a good place to get parts? the rotary knobs that also acts as button are broken!
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