Turn down the Volume!


One topic that seems rarely discussed is volume. If you listen to mixing engineers, it’s their most feared aspect of how their work is measured, since it’s out of their control. This leads to things like loudness wars (assume the worst). As my system has improved, my main takeaway is I can be engaged with 60db peaks, where when I hear other systems you often have to turn it up to 90db peaks for it to sound decent. I’m pretty sure it all has to do with bass and room energy, but wonder if others have a similar experience. Side note that reviews or any subjective ‘better’ statements about gear rarely indicate how loud they are listening. since all we can perceive if volume it is puzzling. I will say if it sounds good with 110 db peaks then that is impressive. 

dain

Showing 2 responses by bkeske

For me, it’s simple. I raise the volume to the point of the music, whatever it may be, sounds realistic and actually scales per the performance. 

If it is louder, it seems artificial and too large, too quiet, the opposite.

I would say for most all, it is between 75-85 db. If louder, it typically means that it is still a realistic ‘size’ in my room.

@dain 

Well, in my room, I agree, the louder usually, means ‘more forward’ and I lose the soundstage. But again, my room. If it was larger, and I sat further away, I might be able to crank it to 90 more often, and still be ‘in scale’.