Question about connecting interface to powered monitors

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Ted
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Question about connecting interface to powered monitors

Post by Ted » Thu Apr 30, 2020 12:13 pm

Hey all,

I just got my first set of proper studio monitors (Kali Lp-6)-- previously I used headphones and sometimes a powered speaker set I bought at ALDI of all places, haha.

I'm running these powered studio monitors from an old Lambda Lexicon interface via the line out-- I'm using balanced TRS cables running into the back of my Kali monitors--which have a (+4dBu) designation next to the input jack.

So I assume that the line out on the Lambda is -10dBV (line level). The monitors sound really good.

Now here's the question. I stumbled upon Native Instruments Guitar Rig Pro-- and I am very impressed with it and want to purchase it. It's $199. But Native Instruments is offering it free with any purchase of an audio interface. I was looking at the Komplete Audio 6. It's $250 so I'd be getting it for $50 considering I already want Guitar Rig Pro.

But I'm confused about whether the outputs on the interface would be the proper level to send to my monitors. On the spec sheet for the Komplete Audio 6 it says "Maximum output level +11.5dBu (balanced)"

I have to admit I don't really understand amps and voltage and all that stuff very well yet. I guess I need to learn...

But my question is... will running this interface into the monitors fry the monitors or will it be a proper connection? I looked for some answers online but didn't find a satisfactory answer.

Help much appreciated!

Ted

PS: My monitors also have an RCA input and there are RCA outputs on the interface. I've heard that RCA is noisier than balanced TRS/XLR connections. So I'm curious if anybody has any comment on that.

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lesmac
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Re: Question about connecting interface to powered monitors

Post by lesmac » Thu Apr 30, 2020 5:43 pm

You'll be ok. It's +4dB line level out. The RCA connectors on that interface are for SPIDF in. Every powered monitor is looking for +4 or minus 10. NI aren't going to sell an interface that won't accomodate those specs. Google is silent on Audio 6 blowing monitors up.

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Re: Question about connecting interface to powered monitors

Post by Ted » Thu Apr 30, 2020 6:18 pm

Haha. Thanks for the answer Les, I know, it was probably a stupid question, but I just wanted to be sure.

I saw today that IK is also running a deal where they are bundling Amplitude 4 with their Axe I/O interface-- which was built specially for guitarists. I haven't played through Amplitude yet and I'm not sure which I like better after watching Youtube vids. Both seem to have their pros and cons. The guitar amps in Logic aren't cutting it for me.

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