Left speaker (passive) louder and clearer than right speaker (active) at low volume

[easyrider46]

Just got my first pair of monitor speakers (M-Audio BX4) and noticed that when I set the volume low by using the speaker knob, the left speaker (passive one) is quite louder than the right one (active one), and also much clearer and richer.

If I raise the volume by turning the speaker knob (and lower the sound on my computer) the difference is much less noticeable.Is this normal, or are the speakers faulty?

The passive speaker only has the aux cable going into it, how is it possible for it to be louder than the active one that`s plugged in?

Thank you

[thecontrolcentre]

No balance control?

[easyrider46]

Which speakers are you talking about? Do they have a balance control?
Are you sure only one is active?

 

M-Audio BX4, they don't have a balance control, and I'm sure only one is active, because it's written on the back ( output to passive speaker) and "input from active speaker" on the other.

[thecontrolcentre]

I would try setting your soundcard outputs to -0db and check that the pan/balance is centred, then set the volume from the control on the active speaker. Make sure the left/right switch on the back of the active speaker is set correctly too.

[easyrider46]

I would try setting your soundcard outputs to -0db and check that the pan/balance is centred, then set the volume from the control on the active speaker. Make sure the left/right switch on the back of the active speaker is set correctly too.

Don't really know how I am supposed to set the output of my computer's soundcard... The balance in Windows is centered at 50, and the switch on the back of the active speaker (right side) is set to right.

[easyrider46]

Interesting thing I just noticed: if I set the active speaker to RIGHT (where it should be), the passive speaker (left) is louder. if I set it to LEFT (without changing it's position), then the active speaker (still on the right side) is louder.

[VitaminD]

It may be due to the design. It may be the wires. It could be faulty electronics.

Generally though you'd want monitors each with their own amp built in, sold individually.

Or (a bit rarer) a pair of passives with a separate amp to power both externally. But those cheaper models have a single amp housed in one of the speakers and a wire that connects to the other for power.

So it may just be how the design functions at lower levels.

[whyterabbyt]

Generally though you'd want monitors each with their own amp built in, sold individually.

Its not unknown for the amplifiers to be built into a single speaker in the 'computer speakers' market these are (partially) being pitched at. Ive got a set of Edirols (rigged to the TV) that are a similar arrangement.

[BertKoor]

I blame cheap stereo pot meters.

Lower the total volume in your DAW and compensate by raising volume of the speakers. The volume pot now sits further away from the zone where left != right.

Or even, set volume of the speakers quite high. Don't touch it any more, control it with master volume of DAW or interface software.

[thecontrolcentre]

Don't really know how I am supposed to set the output of my computer's soundcard...

Go to: Control Panel/Sound/Properties/ Level Tab and set it to 100%

So it may just be how the design functions at lower levels.

Good point

[Weasel-Boy]

I blame cheap stereo pot meters.

Lower the total volume in your DAW and compensate by raising volume of the speakers. The volume pot now sits further away from the zone where left != right.

Or even, set volume of the speakers quite high. Don't touch it any more, control it with master volume of DAW or interface software.

This is the correct answer. The tolerances of the left and right resistor pads within the pot itself are not uniform as you get to lower volumes. It is a common problem with cheap stereo pots. BertKoor's suggestion is the best you'll be able to do.