Hello all,
I got myself a pair of KRK Rokit 5 G3's and a Fame RPM 10S subwoofer. I am running them through my Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen Interface.
Now I want to calibrate my audio system, because it just don't feel and sounds right to me at all. I basically know how to do it, with using the SPL Meter, play a pink noise, set it -20db bla bla...but I always get stuck at one point, which is:

..."Set the volume of the audio interface's output level to 0dB (unity)"

How can I do it? The problem here is, I only have a monitor Knob on my Interface, with no labeling on it.
I'm pretty sure turning it all the way up to the right isn't 0dB (unity).

Can someone help me?
Thanks in advance

Reference links:
https://music.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-calibrate-studio-monitors--cms-31703

 

Using you focusrite mixer - in your OS - should do it.

 

dbx DriveRack does it for me. RTA mics are sold seperately. It will set your crossover frequency and levels between the sub and your KRK's and set the curve you want from several selections, including "flat". If you use live mics or instruments in your studio, and want to monitor without headphones- the compression, limiting, feedback suppression, graphic and parametric EQ's all come in handy one time or another, even though it's made for live sound re-enforcement. I love VST, but sometimes hardware is worth the extra money. https://www.flickr.com/photos/117254183@N07/31880725573/in/dateposted-public/

 

Last edited: Nov 8, 2019

Unfortunately there is no Focusrite Mixer Software available for macOS.

Is it really necessary to set the audio output to 0db?? I still don‘t know how to, because the interface shown in the video has a label on it. Nearly all USB Interfaces doesn‘t.

 

I think 0 dB just means the maximum volume your audio interface can produce.
At least it is with my RME like this. 0 dB is maximum here.

 

An other "greatness" from Focusrite....

I have a 18i20 and use Windows so I can see on the software where is 0db and tell you. (They should be similar in that matter)
Send me your pink noise.

 

Sorry Oly, it's not about the pink noise's level, his DAW should be able to set it to -20dB FS, it's about the interface's physical output. So, sending you a pink noise file won't help.

1. Every dB value should come with the appropriate specification like, FS, RMS, Peak, SPL and a lot more.
2. According to the specs in the 2i4 2nd gen manual the maximum output is 0dBFS so, no amplification here means, turn it fully up.
3. I personally think this calibration is crap and here is why: I assume these -20dB FS for pink noise is it's peak level but this means as soon as your DAW's output is above this you'll get a higher dB SPL! If you're for instance mixing or mastering close to 0dB FS your monitors will be way louder than the level you calibrated them at (with interface turned fully up).
   What I therefore suggest is to normalize the pink noise to -3dB FS Peak (to give a bit head room for transients), turn the Focusrite fully up and calibrate at your desired maximum SPL value, be it 75, 80, 85, or whatever dB SPL.
   Only this way you can be sure that your mix or mastering do not exceed this SPL value.

The various dB FS value you can come across (-14, -20,..) have their origin in broadcasting or K-Metering and as long as you do not broadcast directly from your DAW or do not use K-Metering these value are useless.

 

Last edited: Nov 11, 2019

If the Monitor knob of your audio interface has no Unity marker, then make your own marker! The monitor calibration is not about what is 0, but about defining a reference volume.

For example:
On your monitor control of the interface, mark the point where a -20db RMS (not peak) aes standard pink noise signal has the spl level you want to listen to.
Done.