> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/reference/program-monitor-audio-controls.md).
# Program Monitor audio controls
Reference for the audio monitor strip in the [Program Monitor panel](/get-started/chapter-index-2/program-monitor-panel.md). Everything here affects only what you hear locally — none of it changes the audio sent to Program.
## The dB scale
Two meter bars draw the left and right channels side by side. The scale runs from **-64 dB** at the bottom to **+7 dB** at the top. Zero dB sits in the upper third of the meter, not at the top.
**❗ IMPORTANT**
The scale extends above 0 dB because Captivate processes audio in floating point, which does not clip internally. Levels above 0 dB will distort if the downstream signal path cannot handle them — treat 0 dB as the practical ceiling for what you send.
Tick labels appear every **6 dB**, widening automatically to **12 dB** when the panel is too short for the labels to stay legible.
## Fader and mute
A small triangle next to the meter bars marks the monitor gain. Drag the triangle up or down to change it.
* **Scroll wheel over the meter** — adjusts the gain in 1 dB increments. The wheel range extends below the visible scale to **-72 dB**, so the triangle can exit the bottom of the meter and the audio is effectively muted.
* **Right-click the meter** — choose **Reset to 0 dB** to return the gain to unity.
Captivate remembers the fader’s value between sessions. The default is **-10 dB**.
**Mute Audio** in the monitor button menu (below) silences the monitor without changing the fader value.
## Monitor audio device
Click the monitor button at the bottom of the strip to open the monitor menu, then pick the sound card or output the Program Monitor sends its audio to. The same menu holds **Mute Audio**. Captivate remembers the choice for the next session.
This menu is the only place to choose the monitor output device — there is no equivalent setting in the application preferences. If you cannot find the "audio output device" setting elsewhere, this is where it is.
## Zoom Mix strip
When a project includes a Zoom Mix audio source, a second audio strip appears next to the regular one, labeled for the Zoom Mix. It has its own fader and mute, remembered separately between sessions. The strip disappears automatically when the Zoom Mix source is removed.
## Related
* [Program Monitor panel](/get-started/chapter-index-2/program-monitor-panel.md)
* [The Audio Mixer](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-5/the-audio-mixer.md)
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