Negative numbers for volume level? (1 Viewer)

[Jim Williams]

Why on my AV receiver does the volume go from a minimum value of -73 (no sound) to a maximum value of 0 (ear shattering)? I would think that as volume goes up, the values would be in the positive range.

 

[Kevin P]

Technically the volume control is an attenuator--it reduces the level of the signal going into the amps. On your receiver the fully cranked position is "0" meaning no attenuation, and you're getting full gain (and it's loud!).

It can be confusing, since you probably think of "0" as nothing, turned all the way down, and some receivers and preamps use positive numbers for volume, with 0 meaning all the way down.

With many receivers and preamps you can calibrate the level of your speakers at the "0" position on the volume control, so this is reference level (usually 75db or 85db depending on what test disc you use). Then if you want to listen at 10db below reference, you'd set the volume to -10.

KJP