Helpful ReplyVolume Level

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irasekhi
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2011/11/20 12:04:56 (permalink)

Volume Level

Hi, i searched but found nothing in the site, so i started this topic...

i don't have a monitor system, so i use a sony HiFi system (120watt).
i want to know where should be the volume level of my system, it has 30 degrees for volume control, is this important to set it to a specific value for arranging? i ask it because i hear that in monitor speakers its important...

and another similar question, is the volume degree of Windowes Mixer (Win7) important for music creation?
and/or should i set the volume level of microphone input in control panel to a specific level?

Tnx for your help.
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    DeeringAmps
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    Re:Volume Level 2011/11/20 12:48:53 (permalink)
    Get yourself a "sound level meter".
    If you're in the US, Radio Shack sells a pretty affordable one.
    Put it at the "mix position" and set your monitoring level for about 85db (we're talking SPL here, sound pressure level).
    That's a good place to start.
    Check your levels frequently as we all begin to de-sensitize and "louder = better".

    HTH

    T

    Tom Deering
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    Cactus Music
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    Re:Volume Level 2011/11/20 13:58:25 (permalink) ☄ Helpful
    The Windows mixer is for device sounds and Windows Media Player etc. Your audio interface will have it's own control panel.
    You cannot accomplish much in the way of quality work without a proper audio interface.
    http://tweakheadz.com/audio_interfaces_1.htm

    The mike level should be OFF on laptops or you might record room sounds.

    You can use a home stereo system for monitoring. The amplifier part will be fine if it has, say, over  60 watts. BUT! The speakers will depend on how accurate they are. Most Home stereo speakers have an exaggerated bass response. So this would tend to make you add less bass to your mix and therefore be wrong. The work around is to get used to how your speakers sound and mix accordingly.  If your lucky you will learn to mix with them and it will always translates well to other systems. Use headphones too. If those speakers sound clear and detailed when listening to commercial CD's then that's a good starting point.

    How loud??  Import a commercially released song in the style you plan on recording into Sonar. Check the levels of the Master output meters are at max (unity.)  Then turn up your stereo system until it's as loud as you are comfortable with and put a little mark there with White out. There's your benchmark.

    It's a good idea to leave that set there and then adjust your listening level with the interface controls.
    post edited by Cactus Music - 2011/11/20 14:23:01

    Johnny V  
    Cakelab  
    Focusrite 6i61st - Tascam us1641. 
    3 Desktops and 3 Laptops W7 and W10
     http://www.cactusmusic.ca/
     
     
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    irasekhi
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    Re:Volume Level 2011/11/20 14:41:37 (permalink)
    you are great Cactus Music, thank you very much for this post and the time you put on it. 
    very helpful. 

    i have a PC, and my interface is Focusrite saffire pro 24 DSP, so i will use the things you say and hopefully the HiFi system won't affect my works that much!

    TNX again 
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    Glennb
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    Re:Volume Level 2011/11/20 17:16:04 (permalink)
    Just to add to the great info by Cactus...I have been in a similar boat as you and one thing tha ti found useful was to "review" in a number of contexts prior to mastering.

    What I would do is when I thought I had a pretty good mix, I export to WAV and burn a disk (and create the MP3 for iPod) then go and listen to it in as many environments as possible, Home stereo, in the car, on iPod. This give a VERY wide range of repsonses and usually would show up a problem (too much/not enough bass etc) on one of the plays.

    Typically (for me) listening in the car provided my best indication for bass response.

    Glenn in Aus
    SHSXL6 on laptop with Intel i5 CPU M480 @ 2.67 GHZ 2.67GHz 4G RAM (2.86 usable?) 32Bit operating system on Windows 7 -> Presonus USB Audiobox.
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    Cactus Music
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    Re:Volume Level 2011/11/20 17:42:42 (permalink)
    Before I had my NSM 10's I used these Tanoy ?? 5.5 somethings and they where not very accurate. There was always re mixing to do over and over. But eventually I got better and developed an EQ curve Via my 01V mixer that got me closer using them. Thank god for the NSM 10's, they seem to have a magic touch with getting it right the first time now. Glenn, +1 to proofing on other systems. I still have a Panasonic $35 Getto blaster that has RCA inputs on the back. If you go overboard with bass it will be very distorted on that puppy. I don't really have to leave my studio to do this. Mixing tip of the day.. turn it way down,,, what do your hear? Leave the room and listen from away at a medium low volume, those kind of things help.

    Johnny V  
    Cakelab  
    Focusrite 6i61st - Tascam us1641. 
    3 Desktops and 3 Laptops W7 and W10
     http://www.cactusmusic.ca/
     
     
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