VST host with computer setup, adjusting levels

[Dweezilmeister]

Hi TB'ers

I know I am at risk of never getting an answer but there is my problem.

I'm using a full PC practice setup

Passive Jazz BASS
M-AUDIO C400 (I know it sucks...)
Cantabile lite, using Ronald Passion bass preamp, Kaerjhus Compressor

Now, it got the BASS volume, C400 Input/output levels, Cantabile input/output levels plus all the plugins levels, then the speakers volume levels.

In the end, I tried many configuration and I am still not satisfied with the output sound.

Is there a rule of thumb to adjust all those volume to get the best signal level all down the chain?

Here is my most plausible best scenario for my setup:

Bass levels all the way up
Input on the interface, 0dB (let's assume 0db means no amplification so the signal is kept as is)
All along the VST chain, 0dB
Ouput on the interface, 0db
Then I play around with my speakers volume,

Does this makes any sense?

Thanks

[ddnidd1]

Well assuming you are reading accurate meters and not some knob setting, then you're in the ballpark. Although, having everything right at 0 db doesn't allow for transient peaks too fast to be caught by meters, which might cause distortion.

You can try backing down a bit from 0 db, IF distortion is what is causing the perceived loss of quality.

However, just optimizing the signal to noise ratio doesn't necessarily imply a great sound - just the hottest signal without distortion and with minimal inherent noise caused by the electronics.

If you don't like the timbre of the sound, you need to look somewhere other than 0db - such as EQ, different plugin settings, etc.

[mystic38]

perhaps explain in what way you do not like the sound?..

for gain staging, perhaps set your jazz to 75% volume.. note that there is often a tonal difference related to pickup volume...and then set the input gain of the interface to achieve of the order of -10 to -6dB..this is a good recording level, and a good base level to allow for eq/drive humps etc.