MOTU M4: Adjust Output 3/4 Levels!

[jkist]

Please, is there a way to make this adjustable in the software? I need to adjust the level of outputs 3/4 on my interface. I am running two sets of monitors off of my M4, but even with the volume knob all the way down on my other monitors, the signal is too hot and way louder than my other monitors. This is a pain in the butt, constantly having to turn everything down whenever I switch monitors. I tried buying some in-line attenuation pads, but I found they seem to color the signal too much. If only I could just reduce the strength of the line 3/4 signal by like -20db...

Is there really no way to do this? Thanks

[stubbsonic]

I'd get a little mixer. You can find a used one for cheap. There are ways you could do it in software, I'm sure, but I wouldn't want to have the risk of trusting the software level.

[mikehalloran]

Not quite enough information. Is this just for your monitor speakers? If so, describe your monitor setup (2 pairs mains + sub or whatever it really is).

You aren't quite clear.

[jkist]

I have two separate sets of monitors running off of the M4. The main set is easily controlled with the front knob on the interface. However, the other set, a pair of APS Klasik 2020s, even with the volume knobs turned to as low as they will go, they are still way louder than where I have the other monitors set comfortably to. This is because, as far as I know, outputs 3/4 output at maximum volume.

The other set of monitors are a pair of Hedd 07 Mk2s. Both monitors are simple, two-way near-field monitors.

TL/DR I just need to know if there is a way to reduce the volume of output 3/4. It would have been cool if you could maybe hold the 3/4 button and twist the knob to attenuate the out 3/4 signal or something. Perhaps a consideration for future releases, idk. As it stands, its a bit annoying that you cant attenuate the 3/4 out signal at all, and you have to just deal with the maximum output.

I hope that all made a bit more sense.

[jkist]

I'd get a little mixer. You can find a used one for cheap. There are ways you could do it in software, I'm sure, but I wouldn't want to have the risk of trusting the software level.

I did a ton of research on little monitor controllers and stuff, but it seems that the passive ones actually color the signal up high and down low a fair bit. To get a truly transparent sound, you need to use a passive, "stepped" controller, which costs much more. At that point, I would just buy a second audio interface, which is what I might end up doing anyways. I do appreciate the suggestion though!

[mikehalloran]

I'd get a little mixer. You can find a used one for cheap. There are ways you could do it in software, I'm sure, but I wouldn't want to have the risk of trusting the software level.

I did a ton of research on little monitor controllers and stuff, but it seems that the passive ones actually color the signal up high and down low a fair bit. To get a truly transparent sound, you need to use a passive, "stepped" controller, which costs much more. At that point, I would just buy a second audio interface, which is what I might end up doing anyways. I do appreciate the suggestion though!

You're assuming bit, here. The better passive ones are quite neutral. I use the Radial MC3 and am quite happy with it. $259 at Sweetwater. The headphone amp is not passive, of course.
https://www.radialeng.com/product/mc3
Besides the usual DIM MONO SUB switches, you can balance the A, B and Sub Out levels via trim pots on the top of the unit and reverse the Sub polarity.


OTOH, if just trying to reduce a stereo Line level out, DI boxes were made for that and many have level controls. The Morley/EBTECH LLS-2-XLR has an excellent transformer and can be used in either direction — to step up keyboards to the M4's 3/4 Line Ins or reversed to step down the output of the Line Outs.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... el-shifter
The recently discontinued Morley/Ebtech LLS-2 is the same unit without XLRs in parallel with the TRS jacks. I have one I no longer use.

Then there's Stubbs's recommendation:

I'd get a little mixer. You can find a used one for cheap.

[stubbsonic]

Then there's Stubs's recommendation:

Gotta say, Stubbs does prefer that way of showing the possessive of Stubbs's last name, if Stubbs does say so himself.

[supersonic]

You could send your master to the 3/4 via an AUX that you would mute, and control the level of Klasik 2020 with the fader of the AUX. Other then that, getting an external monitor controller is in this case a less cumbersome solutions, with a volume knob and gain staging for each monitor to have them play at the same volume. Congrats on getting the Klassiks by the way. I am one of the co-founders of the company and if you need any assistance with them do let me know via PM. Happy listening!