Monitor level for mixing

[mickrich]

What level are you guys monitoring at?

I have settled on 80db for best translation.
I sit my iphone on the desk beside me and use an app called decibels and make sure the level always sits at 80.
85 is supposedly the flattest hearing response but I found this a little too loud for a long period of time.
Since I settled on this and have got used to it, I can easily hear levels and eq and have much more consistency between projects.

https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/decibels/id383207286?mt=8

 

[mva801]

Seems about right to me. I have a db meter in the audio kit app, and use it much the same. I don't like to monitor at 85 for more than a minute or two. I'm usually a bit less. It does help to keep things more consistent, as you then get used to how the bass and everything sits relative to the other stuff.

 

[BLUElightCory]

85dB is ideal, 80dB should be totally fine. Whatever volume you use, be sure to occasionally check things at different levels.

 

[bryan_kilco]

Aside from decibels, what do you actually have your monitors level set to? On my Equator D5's, I have them set at the 'noon' position, which is between +4 dbU and -10dbV.

Wasn't sure if there is a correct level or what, to get the best out of them.

 

[Sloan]

Aside from decibels, what do you actually have your monitors level set to? On my Equator D5's, I have them set at the 'noon' position, which is between +4 dbU and -10dbV.

Wasn't sure if there is a correct level or what, to get the best out of them.

i would just run them full on. adjust level on your output/interface but make sure you mute or shut them off when plugging/unplugging stuff etc...

 

[mva801]

Aside from decibels, what do you actually have your monitors level set to? On my Equator D5's, I have them set at the 'noon' position, which is between +4 dbU and -10dbV.

Wasn't sure if there is a correct level or what, to get the best out of them.

If your interface outputs at +4, I'd set them to that. It doesn't really matter that much tbh. Most self powered monitors have an input sensitivity adjustment, among other reasons, so that you can even out the volume of two sets of speaker, and not have to keep turning your master up and down if switching. If you only have one set, just set them to where the range of your master volume control is comfortable and makes sense.

 

[crillemannen]

Im usually at 65-75db never listen any higher.

 

[Mikaël-ange]

Im usually at 65-75db never listen any higher.

Between 60 and 75 for me on ns10. 80 to 85 with main. But I'm 80% of the time with near-field.

 

[bryan_kilco]

If your interface outputs at +4, I'd set them to that. It doesn't really matter that much tbh. Most self powered monitors have an input sensitivity adjustment, among other reasons, so that you can even out the volume of two sets of speaker, and not have to keep turning your master up and down if switching. If you only have one set, just set them to where the range of your master volume control is comfortable and makes sense.

Line Outputs (D/A)
Output Impedance 150 Ohms unbalanced, 300 Ohms balanced
Maximum Output Level +1.8dBV, unbalanced
+10.1dBu, balanced

Is sorta confused. I suck with technical stuff.....

 

[006]

I'm not sure what I monitor at, but my HS80's I have the level on the back of them turned all the way up and I adjust level with my Level Pilot to whatever I need.

 

[amarshism]

100

 

[mva801]

Line Outputs (D/A)
Output Impedance 150 Ohms unbalanced, 300 Ohms balanced
Maximum Output Level +1.8dBV, unbalanced
+10.1dBu, balanced

Is sorta confused. I suck with technical stuff.....

Just set them to +4 and don't worry about it!

 

[waltz mastering]

Line Outputs (D/A)
Output Impedance 150 Ohms unbalanced, 300 Ohms balanced
Maximum Output Level +1.8dBV, unbalanced
+10.1dBu, balanced

Is sorta confused. I suck with technical stuff.....

If you're using xlr or 1/4" balanced (tip - ring - sleeve) set it to +4
If you're using 1/4 " unbalanced (like a gtr jack) set it to -10

 

[SethTheGreat]

I'm not sure what I monitor at, but my HS80's I have the level on the back of them turned all the way up and I adjust level with my Level Pilot to whatever I need.

Just making sure I understand correctly... You turn the knob until it doesn't turn anymore.

All the way to the "-10" ?

What is this level pilot you speak of?

Even at the +4 level, my HS80's are rockin' my socks off. I can barely get the level low enough with my fireface mixer, I have to pull the fader down to like -35.

edit: http://www.tcelectronic.com/level-pilot/ I need one of these

 

[bryan_kilco]

If you're using xlr or 1/4" balanced (tip - ring - sleeve) set it to +4
If you're using 1/4 " unbalanced (like a gtr jack) set it to -10

Thanks! Right now I have them set sort of in the middle position. Yes, XLR to 1/4" that came with the monitors. I'll change this. I noticed that the "Sensitivity" knob (volume) doesn't effect the overall volume as much as the master volume on my interface.

 

[smy1]

According to that Decibels iPhone app (great tool, thanks for the recommendation!) I work and mix at a little under 70db. My loud checks are at 85db. How anyone mixes at that level for longer than 30 seconds is a mystery to me

 

[ibzrgtoffire]

According to that Decibels iPhone app (great tool, thanks for the recommendation!) I work and mix at a little under 70db. My loud checks are at 85db. How anyone mixes at that level for longer than 30 seconds is a mystery to me

yeah i downloaded a loudness app on android and found 85dB pretty loud for mixing. I mean except for checking the low end i wouldnt mix an entire song at this level.

 

[tempe]

I'm mixing at I guess around 55-60dBSPL, slightly above conversation volume. My "loud" checks I have no idea, I basically crank it to make sure the bottom end is working for 10 seconds then turn it down again.