Setting Monitor levels

[dhbailey]

Now that I've reorganized my studio (small office) to include a pair of M-Audio BX8a monitors I have a question on setting the levels:

A) should I leave the level on the monitors turned up full and adjust the actual sound level by the fader on whatever source I am monitoring?
-or-
B) set the monitor level on my KorgD3200 recorder to the zero mark and then adjust the levels on the monitors to a comfortable listening level?

Will it make a difference in what I'm able to hear in my recordings?

Thanks for any insights anybody cares to share!

 

[Massive Master]

B.

You should fine a "home" mark on whatever you're using as an attenuator and set that at a specific level (arguably, 85dBSPL calibrated from a pink noise file at around -15dBRMS). That is, each speaker to 79dBSPL.

If you want to use the K-System, you can read up on that at www.digido.com - The settings are different, but similar and metering comes into play.

Yes, it will make a difference in your recordings as you get used to relative density at specific volumes.