makepeace wrote: On focusrite's site, they quote 10 dBu at max digital signal before clipping. Converted, thats about 2.5V rms or Lv of 7.8 dBV. What does this mean?

Congratulations, you have just entered the dB World of PainTM. ? Probably stated as something like 0dBFS = 10dBu, correct? When dealing with digital, the digital stuff always peaks out at 0dBFS (dB Full Scale) - that's the limit any digital signal can be. What this statement means that when the digital signal is peaking at 0dBFS, the analog output will put out a signal of 10dBu.

By the same token, what sort of levels do active monitors want to see? And finally by a similar token, what sort of levels (generally) does a poweramp driving a pair of 8 ohm monitors want to see?

You have to look at their specs too they should have a nominal input level in dBu to give the rated output. You'll need something with an input level of 10dBu or lower (most are 0dBu or +4dBu) to get the full output power.

An answer such as 'yes that Scarlett is designed to drive a actives/power amp + passives' would be great ?

Yes, the Scarlett will drive most semipro/pro powered monitors or amp/monitor combos with ease.

Congratulations, you have just entered the dB World of PainTM. Probably stated as something like 0dBFS = 10dBu, correct? When dealing with digital, the digital stuff always peaks out at 0dBFS (dB Full Scale) - that's the limit any digital signal can be. What this statement means that when the digital signal is peaking at 0dBFS, the analog output will put out a signal of 10dBu.

Hah! Have had a brief introduction in elec-eng, but all that taught me is that its not straightforward :sorry:.

Yep 0dBFS = 10dBu is exactly what it said ?. I did look that up and pretty much understand the concept, having a little bit of background knowledge in digitals.

You have to look at their specs too they should have a nominal input level in dBu to give the rated output. You'll need something with an input level of 10dBu or lower (most are 0dBu or +4dBu) to get the full output power.

Had a look at the Emes Quartz, they quote input sensitivity as "4 steps, from 0,45 - 4,5V". I would imagine that they have a four position setting for your input signal. Now how would one relate those voltages back to dBu?

Like this: http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-db-volt.htm ?

Yes, the Scarlett will drive most semipro/pro powered monitors or amp/monitor combos with ease.

Cool ? Phase one is in motion.

Thx Alan