The reason I ask is because on my source unit, the Monitor Out jacks are rated @ -2dB. Can I safely use the -10dB setting on my monitors and still get the -10dB Hz rating from my monitors?
Its probably simple in understanding, but I don't grasp this area in overview, source/monitors dB usage.
I appreciate your patience--JeffF.
You are mixing up two quantities that ARE related sometimes but in this case not!
First is the sensitivity of the speakers. "-10dBV" is the voltage level the internal amplifiers need (usually for a specified output, in dB (!) Sound Pressure Level. Another decibel animal!) The other setting is +4dBu* and is a lower sensitivity for use with 'pro' grade equipment.
The -2dB level of the monitor out jacks frankly means Jack. Minus 2dB what? dBV or dBu? At what level in the DAW in dBFS is this 2dB level tied to?
Decibels are also used to specify the frequency range of loudspeakers, e.g. 55Hz to 22kHz +or - 3dB but this is a different usage from signal interchange. Most monitors have response altering switches on the back. Set at 'flat' and harken. If a bit bright, knock back the treble, if a bit boomy maybe notch the LF down a tad? R'ing T*M will tell all.
No, it is NOT "simple" friend! The decibabble jungle is pretty hard to get through, we all get it wrong sometimes. Connect the kit setting the monitors for +4dBu. If things are too quiet even flat out, go for the -10dBV option. AS EVER! Do a Google search for "Calibrating Studio Monitors" (really must get that saved!)
*dB "V" is referenced to one volt rms
dBu is referenced to 0.775 volts rms. Handy to know that Zero dBV is ~2dB higher than zero dBu.
Dave.