wow... @MC .... thanks a lot, now it works. however you knew that was the problem.... thank you!

another thing you might be able to answer easily:

I was told in theory the audio quality for monitoring will be better when the totalmix main output is close to 0db, and an analoge controller lowers the volume of the speakers, rather than having total mix main outputs moving between -50 and -30db, because of bit depth of the outputs. any insight on that or tip where to look at?

best,
jean