Sound Card Calibration unable to reach required level

MarcusFirby

Registered
Thread Starter
Joined
Mar 30, 2023
Messages
5
Hi all,

I am using the Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2 audio interface, however, when I try to calibrate my sound card with the loopback system, despite having the input level and output level all the way to the maximum, I cannot reach the required -12dbFS "In" level. It is also clipping/distorting at around 75% (of both the input and output), and will only allow me to reach around -60dbFS, with the minimum being -35dbFS.

Is anyone able to help me at all, I've watched countless tutorials, including the ones shown on the REW website and those made by GIK Acoustics, yet I still can't get past the sound card calibration stage.

Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated, not too sure why I didn't come to the forum sooner.

Thanks,

Marcus
 

John Mulcahy

REW Author
Joined
Apr 3, 2017
Messages
7,198
Make sure the Mix knob is turned all the way to DAW. Soundcard cal uses the input and output that will be used for measuring, so check the loopback connection is on the correct channels. Can you post a screenshot of your REW soundcard preferences?
 

MarcusFirby

Registered
Thread Starter
Joined
Mar 30, 2023
Messages
5
Hi there, sorry for the late reply.

Here is a screenshot of my preferences page.

My input level and output level are both at the maximum here.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot 2023-03-31 at 19.35.05.png
    Screenshot 2023-03-31 at 19.35.05.png
    123.1 KB · Views: 20

John Mulcahy

REW Author
Joined
Apr 3, 2017
Messages
7,198
The Windows input volume control shows it is at 25.4%.

It would be pretty odd if your interface couldn't deliver enough output to fully drive the input, looks like the output level on the interface is controlled by the Monitor knob.
 

ddude003

AV Addict
Joined
Aug 13, 2017
Messages
1,402
Location
Somewhere Northeast of Kansas City Missouri
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium TubePre (2 channel+sub)
Main Amp
McIntosh MC152 SS Amp (2 channel)
Additional Amp
Yamaha RX-A850 Pro (the other 5 channels lol)
Computer Audio
MacBook Pro, Custom i7 7700k De-lid 2xAsus1080ti GFX Audirvana Studio, Hang Loose Convolver, Pulsar Massive & 8200, LiquidSonics, SoX
DAC
Chord Electronics Ltd. Qutest
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Sony UBP-X700 /M Ultra HD 4K HDR & PS5
Front Speakers
Martin Logan ElectroMotion ESL
Center Channel Speaker
Martin Logan Motion C2
Surround Speakers
Martin Logan Motion 4
Surround Back Speakers
Martin Logan Motion 4 (yes, another set of these)
Subwoofers
Martin Logan Dynamo 700
Other Speakers or Equipment
Cifte 12AU7 NOS & Genalex Gold Lion Tubes in Pre
Video Display Device
Samsung The Premiere LSP7T UST Laser Projector
Screen
Elite Screens Aeon CLR3 0.8 Gain 103-inch
Remote Control
PrimaLuna, Lumin iApp, Samsung & Yamaha
Streaming Equipment
Netgear Nighthawk S8000 Streaming Switch, Lumin U1 Mini Streamer Transport
Streaming Subscriptions
QoBuz Studio Premier, Amazon Prime & Netflix
Other Equipment
ThrowRug, SaddleBlankets, WideBand & Bass Traps...
Don't you just love it when they want help and don't give you enough information about their _full signal chain_ to have a clue about diagnosing the issues...
 
Last edited:

MarcusFirby

Registered
Thread Starter
Joined
Mar 30, 2023
Messages
5
Yes, sorry, OS input volume control is at 25.4%.
The OS volume is at 100%, how do I turn up the input volume of the operating system?

Edit: I've found it, it was just over 50% so I've turned it up to the max, I will try again with the calibration now.
 

John Mulcahy

REW Author
Joined
Apr 3, 2017
Messages
7,198
The OS volume is at 100%, how do I turn up the input volume of the operating system?

Edit: I've found it, it was just over 50% so I've turned it up to the max, I will try again with the calibration now.
Generally the volume control figure shown in REW matches the volume control you'll find in Audio Midi Setup.
 

MarcusFirby

Registered
Thread Starter
Joined
Mar 30, 2023
Messages
5
I've managed to get the sound card calibration completed. Thank you everyone.

Sometimes it is just an issue within the computer itself (MacOS input volume) as opposed to what I was doing for the calibration itself.

Thanks!
 

bobinuta

Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2023
Messages
24
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Benytone X-Calibre MC4000
Main Amp
Benytone X-Calibre MA4000
Computer Audio
Asus Xonar D1 & U5
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Benytone MCD4000
Front Speakers
self made VTP (Voigt Tapered Pipes)
Other Equipment
Benytone Stereo Tuner MTU-3100
Top Bottom