levels

I have a Neumann KM184 SDC mic connected to a SSL2 audio interface through a 10 meter Mogami xlr-cable and notice that it requires me to set the gain to about 7-8 out of 10 to land at levels of about -24 to -18 db. Being aware that mic signals are weak but given that the preamp gain of SSL2 is...

link I am dubious about at least one aspect of this methodology. For consistency, all speakers should have the lower-decibel chart in their review. Leaving it up to humans to decide, subjectively, if "it appears that the speaker is being strained beyond its output abilities at this level"...