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Answered

Volume sliders settings

  • March 16, 2021
  • 12 replies
  • 313 views

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Very basic question regarding the volume slider values if I may please?

0 up to 15 I do understand, however 0 down to -15, what does that mean in the Controller?

Best answer by James L.

I get that but why the negative values, that’s my point. If you want to decrease volume surely 15 down to zero works  to reduce decibel levels but why negative values from -15 up to zero?

The rationale behind that is that 0 is the middle point; the default. If you want more than that, increase above 0, if you want less, you go below 0. These settings were implemented long before I started working here, so I can’t comment on the exact design choices, but I’m almost positive we’re not the only one doing things this way :relaxed: It’s quite common to use negative values in audio production as well as some home audio products.

 
Edit: Looks like I was too slow typing my response! Thanks jgatie and nik9669a :wink:
 
 
 
 
 
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12 replies

bockersjv
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  • Local Superstar
  • 2633 replies
  • March 16, 2021

What operating system are you referring to?  Mac Windows or mobile?


Forum|alt.badge.img+4
  • Author
  • Avid Contributor III
  • 44 replies
  • March 16, 2021

The settings slider on the app


  • 19684 replies
  • March 16, 2021

PLEASE be more specific. Maybe you could post a screenshot?


James L.
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  • Retired Community Staff
  • 1058 replies
  • March 16, 2021

I think @PaulinBont might be referring to the Sub or Surround settings.

Positive values (0 → 15) increase the amount of sound that come from that product and negative values (-15 → 0) decrease the amount of sound that comes from that product.

Increase it if you want your sub/surrounds to be louder, decrease if it’s too much :smiley:


Forum|alt.badge.img+4
  • Author
  • Avid Contributor III
  • 44 replies
  • March 16, 2021

Thanks James,

 

I get that but why the negative values, that’s my point. If you want to decrease volume surely 15 down to zero works  to reduce decibel levels but why negative values from -15 up to zero?


jgatie
  • 28202 replies
  • March 16, 2021

Thanks James,

 

I get that but why the negative values, that’s my point. If you want to decrease volume surely 15 down to zero works  to reduce decibel levels but why negative values from -15 up to zero?

 

Because 0 is the norm.  positive values are above the norm, negative below. 


Forum|alt.badge.img+19
  • Senior Virtuoso
  • 6188 replies
  • March 16, 2021

0 is the neutral, default setting. You can boost or reduce from that according to preference. 


James L.
Forum|alt.badge.img+17
  • Retired Community Staff
  • 1058 replies
  • Answer
  • March 16, 2021

I get that but why the negative values, that’s my point. If you want to decrease volume surely 15 down to zero works  to reduce decibel levels but why negative values from -15 up to zero?

The rationale behind that is that 0 is the middle point; the default. If you want more than that, increase above 0, if you want less, you go below 0. These settings were implemented long before I started working here, so I can’t comment on the exact design choices, but I’m almost positive we’re not the only one doing things this way :relaxed: It’s quite common to use negative values in audio production as well as some home audio products.

 
Edit: Looks like I was too slow typing my response! Thanks jgatie and nik9669a :wink:
 
 
 
 
 

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  • Author
  • Avid Contributor III
  • 44 replies
  • March 16, 2021

Thank you for explaining that one to me nik; I get it now: -1 is one increment quieter than neutral/default and +2  is three increments louder than that, ( or two increments older than default/neutral).

My old amp simply went 1 up to 10

 


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  • Author
  • Avid Contributor III
  • 44 replies
  • March 16, 2021

The answers above have made me think of another question:

 

Because the Sub relieves the Arc of doing the lower frequency work, does that mean that I should set the Arc bass value to-15 or does it mean that the Sub needs an optimal Arc setting to do what it does best?


Airgetlam
  • 44732 replies
  • March 16, 2021

The Sonos system adjust those settings for you, depending on whether or not you have a Sub bonded. When you add a Sub, there’s no need to adjust the settings, unless you feel like you need to, when hearing the system. It’s all relative to your ears, and your expectations, there’s no need to adjust the settings when you add a new device, unless your ears tell you you need to. 


Forum|alt.badge.img+19
  • Senior Virtuoso
  • 6188 replies
  • March 16, 2021

My old amp simply went 1 up to 10

 

Spinal Tap had amps with volume going up to 11; think what volume you can get now that you have one going to 15!!! 😜