Too many level meters!

When I have multiple soundcards, I think of it in terms of signal flow.. Generally, I will set the output from a fixed source (EG a webpage) at 75% out of the soundcard. Don’t worry about the webpage distorting inside the PC, a correctly setup page simply will not do that. The only distortion would happen during the Digital->Analogue conversion.

As Terry said, then set everything to 0dB (Which is code for as loud as you can get it without it distorting at all – in other words the ideal volume level. You should run channel volume’s at 0dB during normal usage on your mixer, the master output should be at 0dB and you should then set the amp levels (if you have access to them – whether separate or in the speakers) to the loudest you will need them. This keeps the noise floor low and means you have plenty of headroom on your master output.

What I do (Esp when mixing live) is get the gain set first (PFL is very useful for this..) and then I leave them alone.. If I do repeat productions quite often the gain controls won’t move in a month..

Also – if you set the volumes right in your DJ software, the soundcard connected to that will not distort.. They are linked..

bob6397

Yep, follow the sound.

Since you start in the software, set it to 0dB there first. Too high in a digital world means trouble right away.

Then gain on your external mixer. Next to the channel faders, these are used throughout a gig, imho. I ALWAYS drop somewhere at a third of the track in a loud spot and check the gain. some tracks are louder than others. Even running things through Platinum Notes, I always check gain.

Then with a track gained 0DB average you set your controller master volume to 0dB. I usually mark this point (bit of white stagetape and a pen will do the trick), as I don’t usually start of at the highest possible volume.

Then the input gain of a PA mixer if applicable and if you are allowed to touch it. Otherwise just tell the house engineer you are “0dB across the board” and he will set it accordingly for you.

Now you can use the channel faders for mixing (keeping in mind the stuff about channel gain) and start with your controllers master at the volume level you want to start with. You an turn that up a bit as the night progresses, but never beyond the little mark you set for 0dB master output.

Presto!