REW Forum

**cruzmisl** · **09-08-07, 06:29 PM**

Hi All,
I'm trying to generate a cal file for my soundcard but I can't seem to get the levels to match no matter what I do. I'm still able to generate a cal file and it looks normal but I'm unsure if it's OK. There is about a -10dB disparity between the two.

Any ideas?
Thanks,
Joe

**brucek** · **09-08-07, 07:58 PM**

Quote:

There is about a -10dB disparity between the two

Do you mean the input and output VU readings when running the calibration routine?

The output is adjusted by Sweep Level and the input is adjusted by Input Volume.

What is it specifically that is not working for you?

I trust you're using a stereo cable with stereo connectors between line-out and line-in to do the calibrate?

brucek

**cruzmisl** · **09-08-07, 11:40 PM**

Bruce, that's exactly what I am talking about. If I reduce the sweep level the output also gets reduced.....regardless of what I do there is always an 8.0dB difference. I am using stereo connectors, with a SB live and Vista.....

Any other ideas?

**brucek** · **09-09-07, 12:31 AM**

Quote:

If I reduce the sweep level the output also gets reduced

But that's what it is supposed to do. Are you not able to increase the input level to match the output level?

brucek

**cruzmisl** · **09-09-07, 10:48 AM**

Sorry, if I reduce or increase the sweep level both levels change accordingly and the 8dB difference remains .....

FWIW, if I use the SB Live I can't get the levels to match but if I use the Xfi, I can get the levels to match. I wante dto save the $80 and send the Xfi back but if it makes a huge difference I'll keep it.

**brent_s** · **09-09-07, 11:57 AM**

As I said in your previous Vista thread, I had this problem as well. The REQW instructions say just go with it if you can't get the levels within the recommended range. In the end, my Vista based calibration and room measurements matched an XP based system that used the same SB Live external/mic/cables/etc. It has something to do with how Vista handles sound...you can't get the independent control of input/output levels like under XP....somehow MS considers this an improvement.

-Brent

**brucek** · **09-09-07, 12:01 PM**

Can you post a picture of the levels not matching?

I'm still a bit confused by what you're saying. Once the output volume and sweep level are set, you adjust the input volume to match. Certainly, when you adjust the sweep level, both the output and input levels will change in unison because you have a short between line-out and line-in. But the Input volume adjusts the input independently.

Here's my card for example during the soundcard cal setup for levels.............

Are you not able to increase the input volume?

Name: soundcard_cal.jpg
Views: 387
Size: 144.4 KB

Name: soundcard_cal.jpg
Views: 387
Size: 144.4 KB

brucek

**brent_s** · **09-09-07, 08:06 PM**

Bruce, if Cruz is having the same problem I had with setting up the Live External under Vista, he has no access to the Input Volume either via REQW or the Windows mixer. The soundcard calibration wizard tells the user to match the I/O levels within 3db (in your screenshot), but you can't do this with the Live External Vista drivers so you're stuck with a major difference in I/O levels...I think mine was around 10db, maybe a touch more.

Anyway, I found this in the "check levels - troubleshooting setting input volume" section of the online help and decided to procede despite the large difference in I/O levels. Seems to produce comparable results to the same Live/mic/cables/adapters used on an XP Pro machine that had I/O levels matched to around 1db at -12db per the wizard's instructions.

Some soundcards do not provide an input volume control (e.g. some USB cards). As long as the signal RMS level is within the -30 to -12dB range when the speaker/subwoofer cal signal is playing everything should work OK. If the level is below -30dB try reducing the meter range to raise the level, but be careful not to reduce the range to the point the meter is overloaded. If the level is above -12dB try increasing the meter range to lower the level.

The problem is in the Live's Vista drivers. Creative hasn't given Vista access to the Input level. My onboard Realtek card allows access to the mic's input level, but of couse, it's not a true line input and is not recommended for REQW use. I was able to calibrate the Realtek card, but haven't tried measurements with it since the Live seems to be working with REQW properly, despite the lack of Input volume control and the large I/O level differences during soundcard calibration.

-Brent

**brucek** · **09-09-07, 08:35 PM**

Thanks Brent - that's good info.

I had posted my response above at the same time as you, so I had missed your earlier caution on the Vista trouble.

Looks like Vista is a bit of a problem. I don't know if JohnM has done any work with it in regard to REW yet....

Anyway, I guess cruzmisl can carry on......

thanks,

brucek

**cruzmisl** · **09-09-07, 09:50 PM**

This is with Sb live

This is with SB Live, notice the setting didn't change despite the fact the level is at 0.

This is with Xfi-no problems.....

Make any sense?? I guess it all has to do with the drivers. I think I'll keep the Xfi just because I know it works like it's supposed to. My SB Live measurements were OK too but my type A personality doesn't allow me to run the SB Live when I know the Xfi works

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