---
title: Output volume level goes to max when using Apogee interface with Cubase, Sonarworks.
description: Learn more about troubleshooting issues with output volume on Cubase with Sonarworks and using Apogee Interfaces.
---

[Skip to content](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/output-volume-level-goes-to-max-when-using-apogee-interface-with-cubase-sonarworks#main-content)

English

Show submenu for translations

[Contact us](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en)

![Apogee Logo White.png\]](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Apogee%20Logo%20White.png?height=40&name=Apogee%20Logo%20White.png)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- English
  
  Show submenu for translations
- [Contact us](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/kb-tickets/new)
- Go to apogeedigital.com

 Go to apogeedigital.com

 How can we help you?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [Knowledge Base](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/?hsLang=en)
2. [FAQ](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/faq?hsLang=en)

# Output volume level goes to max when using Apogee interface with Cubase, Sonarworks.

**Symptom:** When opening a session or selecting Apogee as the audio device, the output goes to full volume every time. 

**Solution:** 

- In Cubase, go to Devices Device Setup Control Panel Core Audio Device Settings. Under Options, verify that set device attenuation to 0 dB is unchecked.

*NOTE: In Cubase 10 and up, this setting is in Studio Setup Control Panel*

- In Sonarworks, go to Systemwide settings and deselect the "Adjust output device gain checkbox.

---

How is this possible? All modern Apogee interfaces have input gain and output volume that are digitally controlled rather than an analog potentiometer that must be physically turned. The advantages of digital control are many:

- Improved Sound Quality (turning the gain doesn’t cause a “scratchy” sound, and enables the advantages of our Step-Gain preamp technology)
- Settings can be saved to presets that can be recalled later.
- You can also control the output volume directly from the Mac's Keyboard, Touchbar, or Volume icon in the Task Bar.

**Cubase**:  In Cubase this is called "Device Attenuation."  The intent of this setting is to attenuate, or lower your volume, so you don't get blasted.  When selecting any audio device with this setting turned on Cubase sets the device's output volume to 0, since most simple sound cards have 0 as the **lowest** value.  Since your Apogee is rating the Outputs in digital decibels, where 0dBFS is the **highest** value, this setting will have the unfortunate opposite result, maxing out the volume.  Be sure to disable this setting to prevent getting blasted.

**Sonarworks Reference 4**:  This is a sound calibration software that many customers may have and forget is even running.  It has a setting to Auto adjust output device gain, or volume.

**Please remember, many other softwares not listed here have these types of settings so be sure to check all the softwares on your computer!**

- [BOOM](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/boom?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [User Guide](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/boom?hsLang=en#user-guide)
    - [Getting Started](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/boom?hsLang=en#getting-started)
    - [Troubleshooting](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/boom?hsLang=en#troubleshooting)
    - [FAQs](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/boom?hsLang=en#faqs)
- [Duet 3](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/duet-3?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [User Guide](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/duet-3?hsLang=en#user-guide)
    - [Getting Started](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/duet-3?hsLang=en#getting-started)
    - [Troubleshooting](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/duet-3?hsLang=en#troubleshooting)
    - [FAQs](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/duet-3?hsLang=en#faqs)
- [Symphony Desktop](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/symphony-desktop?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [User Guide](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/symphony-desktop?hsLang=en#user-guide)
    - [Getting Started](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/symphony-desktop?hsLang=en#getting-started)
    - [Troubleshooting](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/symphony-desktop?hsLang=en#troubleshooting)
    - [FAQ's](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/symphony-desktop?hsLang=en#faqs)
- [Symphony Studio](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/symphony-studio?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Getting Started](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/symphony-studio?hsLang=en#getting-started)
    - [Troubleshooting](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/symphony-studio?hsLang=en#troubleshooting)
    - [FAQ](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/symphony-studio?hsLang=en#faq)
- [Symphony I/O Mk 2](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/symphony-i-o-mk-2?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [User Guide](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/symphony-i-o-mk-2?hsLang=en#user-guide)
    - [Getting Started](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/symphony-i-o-mk-2?hsLang=en#getting-started)
    - [Compatibility](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/symphony-i-o-mk-2?hsLang=en#compatibility)
    - [Troubleshooting](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/symphony-i-o-mk-2?hsLang=en#troubleshooting)
    - [FAQ's](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/symphony-i-o-mk-2?hsLang=en#faqs)
- [Jam X](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/jam-x?hsLang=en)
- [HypeMiC](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/hypemic?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [User Guide](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/hypemic?hsLang=en#user-guide)
    - [Getting Started](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/hypemic?hsLang=en#getting-started)
    - [Troubleshooting](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/hypemic?hsLang=en#troubleshooting)
- [MiC +](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/mic?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [User Guide](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/mic?hsLang=en#user-guide)
    - [Getting Started](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/mic?hsLang=en#getting-started)
    - [FAQ's](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/mic?hsLang=en#faqs)
- [ClipMic digital 2](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/clipmic-digital-2?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Getting Started](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/clipmic-digital-2?hsLang=en#getting-started)
- [Groove](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/groove?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [User Guide](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/groove?hsLang=en#user-guide)
    - [Getting Started](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/groove?hsLang=en#getting-started)
    - [FAQ's](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/groove?hsLang=en#faqs)
    - [Troubleshooting](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/groove?hsLang=en#troubleshooting)
- [Jam +](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/jam?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Getting Started](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/jam?hsLang=en#getting-started)
    - [FAQ's](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/jam?hsLang=en#faqs)
- [MetaRecorder](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/metarecorder?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Getting Started](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/metarecorder?hsLang=en#getting-started)
    - [FAQ's](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/metarecorder?hsLang=en#faqs)
    - [Troubleshooting](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/metarecorder?hsLang=en#troubleshooting)
- [Plugins](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/plugins?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Plugin FAQ's](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/plugins?hsLang=en#plugin-faqs)
    - [Clearmountain's 8068](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/plugins?hsLang=en#clearmountains-8068)
    - [Clearmountain's Domain](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/plugins?hsLang=en#clearmountains-domain)
    - [Clearmountain's Phases](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/plugins?hsLang=en#clearmountains-phases)
    - [Symphony ECS Channel Strip](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/plugins?hsLang=en#symphony-ecs-channel-strip)
    - [Pultec EQP-1A](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/plugins?hsLang=en#pultec-eqp-1a)
    - [Opto-3A](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/plugins?hsLang=en#opto-3a)
    - [Apogee FX Rack](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/plugins?hsLang=en#apogee-fx-rack)
- [Apogee Control Remote](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/apogee-control-remote?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Getting Started](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/apogee-control-remote?hsLang=en#getting-started)
    - [FAQ's](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/apogee-control-remote?hsLang=en#faqs)
- [FAQ](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/faq?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Compatibility](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/faq?hsLang=en#compatibility)
    - [Webstore Orders](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/faq?hsLang=en#webstore-orders)
    - [Warranty](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/faq?hsLang=en#warranty)
    - [Repairs](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/faq?hsLang=en#repairs)
    - [DAW](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/faq?hsLang=en#daw)
    - [Optimization](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/faq?hsLang=en#optimization)
    - [Windows](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/faq?hsLang=en#windows)
    - [Element Series](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/faq?hsLang=en#element-series)
    - [Announcements](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/faq?hsLang=en#announcements)
- [Legacy Products](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [AD-16x & DA-16x](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#ad-16x-da-16x)
    - [AD-16 & DA-16 (non-x versions)](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#ad-16-da-16-non-x-versions)
    - [AD-8000](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#ad-8000)
    - [AMBEO Smart Headset](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#ambeo-smart-headset)
    - [AMBus Cards](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#ambus-cards)
    - [Big Ben](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#big-ben)
    - [Duet (Firewire)](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#duet-firewire)
    - [Duet 2](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#duet-2)
    - [Duet for iPad/Mac/PC (USB)](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#duet-for-ipad-mac-pc-usb)
    - [Avid Pro Tools Duet](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#avid-pro-tools-duet)
    - [Element Series](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#element-series)
    - [Ensemble (Firewire)](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#ensemble-firewire)
    - [Ensemble (Thunderbolt)](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#ensemble-thunderbolt)
    - [GiO](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#gio)
    - [Jam](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#jam)
    - [Maestro App](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#maestro-app)
    - [Maestro 2](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#maestro-2)
    - [MiC](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#mic)
    - [MINI Products](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#mini-products)
    - [One](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#one)
    - [One (iPad, Mac, PC)](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#one-ipad-mac-pc)
    - [PSX-100](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#psx-100)
    - [Quartet](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#quartet)
    - [Rosetta 200](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#rosetta-200)
    - [Rosetta 800](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#rosetta-800)
    - [Rosetta AD](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#rosetta-ad)
    - [Sennheiser ClipMic](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#sennheiser-clipmic)
    - [Symphony32 PCI Cards](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#symphony32-pci-cards)
    - [Symphony 64 PCIe & Thunderbridge](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#symphony-64-pcie-thunderbridge)
    - [Symphony I/O Mk 1](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#symphony-i-o-mk-1)
    - [Symphony Mobile](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#symphony-mobile)
    - [Trak2](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#trak2)
    - [X-Digi-Mix Option Card](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#x-digi-mix-option-card)
    - [X-FireWire Option Card](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#x-firewire-option-card)
    - [X-HD Option Card](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#x-hd-option-card)
    - [X-Symphony Option Card](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#x-symphony-option-card)
    - [Video Option Card](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/legacy-products?hsLang=en#video-option-card)
- [First Take](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/first-take?hsLang=en)

[![Chill listening crop-3](https://knowledge.apogeedigital.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Apogee%20Logo%20Purple.png?width=24&height=24&name=Apogee%20Logo%20Purple.png "Chill listening crop-3")](https://www.apogeedigital.com)

© 2024 Apogee Electronics

<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLDj_Rveg7lK-G6oXrBjukA>

Copyright © 2026, Apogee Electronics