Originally Posted By: critter
...when hooking up powered monitors to the usb interface will I get an uncolored output or is there other things I need to do from the computer side of things?


Theoretically..... there should be no coloration of the sound in coming from the interface to the monitors. You want to hear the truth of the mix. that's the purpose of the "flat reference monitors" in the first place.


Ideally, what you want is a fairly flat response system that gives as little or no coloration from the DAW/source tracks, to the interface, and to the speakers so that mixing can be done from an unbiased POV.

In reality, while they all claim to be "flat response" there are differences in how one brand sounds setting side by side in a direct A/B comparison. So, the best advice is go to the store and listen to them side by side. Choose the ones you like, take them home and learn their strengths and weaknesses. Any coloration you get in the sound would, and should only be coming from the speakers, the room, and the EQ settings in the mix. The purpose of using flat response speakers is that what you hear is actually what is happening. So if the bass is booming or weak, it's not a result of the speakers, it's a problem in the mix.

Neither the computer nor the interface should add or subtract any color to the sound. Most will not. I say that with the full understanding that some interfaces, including my own have DSP in their software control panels. I can set EQ and verb and compression at the interface level if I desire to do so. So be aware that many interfaces do have DSP but.... you have the option to set it to OFF. I advise that you do.

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