PC & Monitors...

[dbrook2010]

Hi,

I have a pair of KRK Rokit 5 G3 monitors and I'm wanting to get the best setup I can with the equipment I'm using.

I'm currently using an internal E-MU 1212m card, running balanced outputs to a Mackie Big Knob.

On the E-MU software, I have outputs set at +4dB, which I believe is correct for balanced outputs?

On the Mackie inputs, I have the +4dB button selected (the switch is either +4dB or -10dB) and the input dial is set to unity. The input dial on the DAW mix input ranges from -10dB to +10dB.

I've not yet connected the KRKs.

I have the PC volume on 100%. But, whilst I was testing this out yesterday, I noticed that the Mackie was showing some overs on the meter. In particular, with certain CDs or Ableton Live.

Why am I getting overs with only certain CDs or Ableton?

And my real question on this is, what's the best/correct way to reduce the signal? Should I turn down the PC volume OR should I adjust the input dial on the Mackie (which would put it under unity) ?

My next question relates to the KRKs. I'll be running balanced cables from the Mackie to the KRKs. But I'm not sure what to set the input trim/dial to on the back of the KRKs?

The default factory setting is +6dB, but I couldn't get from the user manual what I should set this to

Should I put this to around +4dB, unity, or leave it at the default +6dB?

Any help appreciated on this.

Thanks
Darren

 

[Seidy]

Hey Darren!
First off I would generate a sine wave (make sure it peaks at 0) on the computer and run the signal to Mackie. Then adjust the input levels so the meter will never go above 0.
Now setting the output and monitor levels is a bit more complicated, because some equipment generates hiss when you turn it all the way up, you should aviod maxing out the levels anyway. Now you should experiment yourself and set it to the optimum levels. Another thing to consider is how much volume you can add with the volume knob. For example I have my Big knob setup so I have my usual listening levels about at 1/4 but when mixing I can go as far as 3/4, because the recorded material is usually quiet.

+4 dbu is pro audio level, -10 consumer, so normally I would keep it +4