How do you control basic output volume to your monitors?

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I'm new to this, but not too green. I'm curious how others are controlling the volume output to their monitors.

I use an Audiophile 2496. All I want to do is mix down imported .wav files. I'm doing no recording on my PC. I have purchased and registered the 24bit version of n-Track and the SoftComp and ParaEQ. I really like it.

If I go to View, then Soundcard's Mixer, then Playback controls - it brings up my windows volume control faders. Unfortunately, it defaults to an inoperable fader control regardless of which way I configure the properties options of the windows volume faders. If I change the fader properties every time I open it, it works fine.

For example: It seems to always default to the mixer device M Audio Delta 1/2. That default always yields and inoperable fader, however. I have to change the windows volume faders to the mixer device to M Audio Delta AP Multichannel for the volume fader to work properly. And you figure that would fix it, right? Nope. The faders won't hold that setting - they always revert to the Delta 1/2 setting the next time I open them.

Altering the settings in n-Track's File, Settings, Preferences, Audio devices tabs does not seem to correct it either. I can switch from Delta 1/2 to Delta Multichannel but it won't correct the volume output faders problem.

Can anyone suggest how they alter their basic monitor output. I know that I can use the volume knob on the amp, but should I have to? What is preferred by most users? Or, is there a configuration setting that I should really understand better?

Thanks for your assistance.
 
How are you even getting into the windows mixer? It should have been replaced by the delta control panel. You've got a big ol' mess going on there....

...BUT, we don't even need to get into it. :)

You should not be controlling output to your monitors with software of any kind. As you digitally decrease volume, you are reducing the signal's bit resolution, and then reamplifying a crippled signal. Not a great way to do it.

You should always leave your inputs and outputs at 100%. Control these levels with your analog equipment.

Slackmaster 2000
 
Slackmaster2K said:
You should not be controlling output to your monitors with software of any kind. As you digitally decrease volume, you are reducing the signal's bit resolution, and then reamplifying a crippled signal. Not a great way to do it.

You should always leave your inputs and outputs at 100%. Control these levels with your analog equipment.
Click to expand...

I've always kept mine close to max'd but not quite (75-80%?) just as I did all my equipment before adjusting to get the right level when tracking. My thinking was to not max any one piece and hopefully avoid distortion at any step along the way. Then when monitoring I've purposely kept the level LOW on the Windows mixer because I was lazy and didn't want to have to adjust TWO level controls on the monitors (one on each).

It never occurred to me to do what you suggested but it makes sense. Since I'm still using a SoundBlaster, anything I can do to get the most out of it is worth trying. Thanks.

Hey, sounds like a great issue to bring up in the FAQs in the Computer Recording and Soundcards Forum!

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EDIT - I posted this in the FAQ thread in the CRS Forum about an hour ago.
 
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DaveO, one very common misconception is that decreasing the input level on a software mixer changes the input sensitivity of the corresponding port. This is not the case. When you decrease the input level on a port, you're simply decreasing the level digitally after it's been sampled. If you're clipping an input port, decreasing the input level with a software mixer will only lower the volume of the clipped signal, it won't reduce or eliminate the clipping at all.

Of course this only holds true if the software mixer isn't lying. There was some talk long ago about old Soundblasters where 100% was actually at around 75% on the slider, such that if you cranked the slider up to 100% you were amplifying by 125% (or something like that). I don't think that's really an issue anymore, as I haven't heard it mentioned in years. I also am sure that with "higher quality" recording soundcards it'll never be the case.

Slackmaster 2000
 
Slackmaster2K said:
How are you even getting into the windows mixer? It should have been replaced by the delta control panel. You've got a big ol' mess going on there....

...BUT, we don't even need to get into it. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Slack! :) Good to hear from you really.

I get to the windows mixer by going into n-Track View, then Soundcard's Mixer, then Playback controls. The windows mixer comes up that way. I thought that the Delta AP should be there, but it isn't. Perhaps my card needs a better install?

Anyway, the Delta mixer is accessible in the taskbar and controls output properly now that I've configured it to patchbay H/W Out 1/2 through the Monitor Mixer.

What do other n-Track users get when they view their playback controls?

Thanks again!
 
I don't know if this applies to your card, but my card is made by the same company.

To get to the Delta control panel, you have to locate it in the Windows --> Control panel... you'll see a big M there. Kinda weird eh?

One other weird quirk I am noticing is whenever I change playback and recording properties, I have to change them one at a time. If I make a whole bunch of changes, then close the window, only the first changes acctually occur!

It's annoying, but from previous experience of windows and other applications, I don't suppose its really that weird after all.


I can't wait to really make a mess and install my soundblaster card, to go with the existing (2...) cards :D
 
Thanks, badassmak. Yep, yours is exactly like mine. I was more interested in figuring out how n-Track distills all of this and how well it meshes with my card.

It seems that the control of the card is best left to the card and its dedicated control panel and not 'automated' through n-Track.

My take on prior replies regarding digital control of output levels is falling on my deaf ears, though. Am I mistaken that I feel it shouldn't matter how I limit the final output mix? I thought that the overall level was best judged by how close it comes to clipping? If I turn down the master output should that really affect the actual signal in the mix?

It's not much of an issue since I have an analog control over my monitor amp. Aren't there studio monitors that have no onboard volume controls?

Thank you all, once more, for your valuable replies.
 
Oh wait, it looks like I have the windows sound mixer thing too....it must've appeared after I installed my (hey, for games) soundblaster live.

Anyhow, don't touch the windows mixer when working with the delta. In n-track's options on the last tab you can specify the location of the mixer app for your soundcard.

Slackmaster 2000
 
Beautiful, Slack. That did it!

I was able to specify deltapnl.exe in the settings for the mixer. Very nice and now properly meshed.

Yea, no more windows volume trash!
 
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