John Sayers' Recording Studio Design Forum Archive

So...

1st...after a slight dilemma, in which all my mixes were winding up bottom heavy, I decided to grab myself a pair of reference monitors...so I could hear what I was actually mixing. I wound up with KRK RP-8's, after listening to most of the mfg.'s [& the sales dude offered some insight as to who uses what (Rap mixers/Event, Rock mixers/KRK, etc.)]

The RP-8's were seemingly flat & strong all the way through...maybe a little weak in the highs, but I actually liked them a bit more than the V series 8's, which were twice the doe (& not as mellow in the lows.)

2nd...

...I hooked these bad boys up (the new KRK's)...

& I'm not so sure my configuration is normal; 'cause the overall power comin' out is scarin' the crap outta' me.

First: I used Monster ProLinks 1/4" TS to RCA (for the hookup); & noticed a buzz, right off the batt. Thought it might be a ground loop, so I powered them both out of one outlet. Still had a buzz. The units' Volume range is -30dB > +6dB; & so I decreased that until the buzz went away...which was about -20 > -24dB (so I rolled it all the way down to -30dB, to be safe.)

Second: In my Audio Interface's mix console, I have the nominal output set to -10dB; & the master faders ridden back to -18dB...& those settings give me a moderately low volume (but powerful) signal !!!

Is this normal...for bi-amped active near-fields?

At the abovementioned settings...they really do sound just spectacular !!!; & already I've noticed (by now having reference monitors) why my mixes have too much bottom end (&...oddly enough...it's because they have TOO MUCH F_ _K_ _G BOTTOM END, MARK...YOU !#%&*.)

Now...I suppose I should be using 1/4" TRS all the way through, but would that make a difference (in eliminating the buzz I first heard)? (or...in quality of signal?)

Do the output level settings of my AI (Layla 24/96) & the input level settings of the KRK's sound correct?

Is it necessary to pull back the master output faders & the input volume of the near-fields to this extent...or am I just the fool voice of inexperience rattlin' off, over here?

Could use some insight from those with experience.

Thanks,

mark4man

Your settings sound pretty typical; keep in mind that, if your NOMINAL output level is @ -10, and your speakers' NOMINAL input level is at -10, then your speakers should put out their FULL RATED OUTPUT, which would likely cause you to reach for either earplugs or the OFF button

As to signal quality/buzz, I would switch to full TRS balanced cables; don't worry about Monster, that name was derived from their pricing structure - I'm not saying that WILL get rid of your buzz, but it should unless the buzz is already in your signal from some other source... Steve

Steve...

Thanks.

I actually isolated the buzz to a ground loop.

First, I unplugged the line cable from the Layla; & it didn't take the buzz away. This meant it was power related (as I was informed.)

Then I swapped gear & outlets/power strips until the KRK's, the Layla (& all other audio gear) were on one; & everything related to the PC workstation were on another; & 95% of the buzz went away.

There's still a very faint buzz present, but you gotta' put your ear practically in the damn cone to hear it...& it's not affected by the volume control.

Now...I'm happy.

keep in mind that, if your NOMINAL output level is @ -10, and your speakers' NOMINAL input level is at -10, then your speakers should put out their FULL RATED OUTPUT.

You know...that's the first time I've heard that, but it makes perfect sense. That would mean unity gain between the two devices (AI & Monitors.)

Now...that wouldn't remain true for +4dB, right? If both are set to +4dB...all bets are off, I would imagine.

Thanks again,

mark4man

I would either get a small board or a passive attenuator to go between your interface and your speakers. I'd hate to blow a set of speakers because your DAW locked up or something like that.

that wouldn't remain true for +4dB, right? If both are set to +4dB...all bets are off, I would imagine.

No reason why it wouldn't still apply; in either case, you're giving the monitors what they want in order to "fully" do their job.

I agree with Sam, it would be safer to get something like the Mackie "big knob", or one of the other daw/speaker patch setups - PreSonus makes one, as do most component manufacturers these days... Steve

got a slightly OT question about the KRK's... what is the major difference between the RP8's and the V8's exactly? I have not been able to find a set of V8's to purchase for some time now, but can find the RP8's almost everywhere now... lol whats up with that?

Haven't dug into this much, but did notice there are now V8-II's, etc, looks like KRK is changing/updating their line... Steve

i would hope you had dedicated audio power feeds and dedicted power to lights/etc.. are you using dimmers on you lighting..PLUS..MONSTER CABLE --MONSTER PRICE --hahahah soo true whatta joke