Dear Adam Audio, Why are u so Loud?!

[primaplanken]

I've got a little problem. I have little home studio setup consisting of a pair of Adam t7v's, an SSL2 interface and a little t10s subwoofer. Never had any problems (e.f some static noise).

But now after upgrading to a pair of second hand Adam S1X's, and connecting them to my Audio Interface, I cannot turn my big bright blue volume knob (unless I want to burst all the windows on the first floor). It's so extremely loud, so extremely quick. I have completely turned down the input gain on the back control panel. (It's only -10db though)

I am utterly lost. I've tried to connect the S1X's directly into my SSL without the sub connected in-between. I've tried lowering the volume in my windows settings (not optimal but I will settle for anything) which works for Spotify and other tabs but when working in Ableton it bypasses that setting.

I want to use that big blue sexy SSL knob again. Not only the first 5%. I would've paid less if I had known that.

 

[C Hart]

Welcome to AK!

One thing that members have learned is that questions sometimes need a very precise and thorough description of the configurations. I think this is one of those cases.

Lots of variables here. But this sounds like an accidental use of a high signal into a low signal input. I don't have any of that gear but there are some obvious things that you probably already thought of.

It's not clear from your post what your wiring looks like. I am assuming input is the 2 balanced channels on the SSL2? You are using the 3.5mm output from a sound card? Or USB? To a DAC? How is the sub wired in? How does the gain setting work in your software (Ableton I'm guessing)? The 2 output 1/4" jacks are connected to the speakers?

The new speakers have only a 20dB (-10 to +10) range where the old ones had 78dB (-60 to +18) if my reading is correct. The old ones also had -10dB RCA inputs that would further lower output - that is a huge difference.

On the SSL2, you can adjust the channel gain and also the master volume. I am assuming you have the channel gain down? It's unclear how much cut you have since it's just marked 1-10. Also assuming you are using the line setting vs. low-Z (mike).

So, way more info is needed for any diagnosis. With that said, the first thing I would try is to put it all back the way it was and see if it still works, then note the gain setting on the T7Vs.

 

[primaplanken]

Thank you very much for the response!

My pc is wired via usb-a 3 to a usb c input on the SSL. Then a 4.4mm stereo jack to XLR connects to the subwoofer. I heard a little bit of a low tone coming out. Which went away only when I disconnected it completely. The t10v subwoofer has a bypass where when you set the output level to 0 it completely bypasses all frequencies and the low end gets taken over. I also tried it without connecting to the subwoofer which helps with the interference. It then goes true, after that it connects with another XLR to XLR straight into the back of the s1x.

The Adam s1x has no RCA input so that's also not an option.

I have nothing plugged in the inputs. The line, low-z and phantom are all disabled. Everything on the interface is turned down except the monitor level knob.

The setup worked perfectly with the t7v's. Even with the subwoofer connected.

I was thinking of maybe just buying a attenuator but that's maybe not to be recommended. Love to hear your thoughts.

 

[C Hart]

Still not quite following here. Trying to visualize... let me restate and then posit a theory and a test.

You are using this to send computer output to monitors. All the input to the SSL2 is coming from the computer (no instruments/mics). The connection is to a USB port on the computer to the USB input on the SSL2.

SSL2 output jacks L and R are connected using 1/4" plug to XLR plug into the sub XLR jacks In L and R.

The speaker connection is from the sub XLR Out L and R to a single XLR on each speaker, and the sub manages the output for the speakers.

If so, I believe everything is cabled correctly and there may be a problem with the S1X amplifiers or preamps - possibly a shorted volume knob or something blown. I am not an electronics tech however so I can't narrow it down further.

The first step I suggest is to reassemble the T7V config and make sure it works. Then try the T7V directly from the SSL2 1/4" outputs. If they are all working the problem is in both S1X units, or there is some mystery configuration setting that isn't apparent from the manuals. Good luck!

 

[primaplanken]

Thank you very much for your help.
I'm sorry if my explanation is a bit vague ,as you will have noticed I'm quite new in the audio field. But you're completely correct with the understanding of my setup.
I'll follow your steps and tips. I'm not in my studio today but I will give you updates if my problems gets resolved or if I have new findings.