Pre Fader Listening

[O.D.R.S.]

Greetings! I am not new to recording, but I have a question about PFL. My console manual (MX9000) says to set the desk level using PFL. The manual is kind of vague when it comes to explaining things. At what levels should the meters be hitting when in PFL and when not in PFL? I ask because when it's not in PFL, the meters don't seem as strong. Should the individual tracks be hitting at 0dB or just the master? Maybe I'm doing something wrong. Sorry if this sounds stupid. Thanks

[AlexW]

Pre-fader levels will essentially show the level coming in off your preamps, before they're adjusted by the faders on your mixer. Depending on what you're recording too and how, you generally want your preamp levels to have a decent gain (upper 2/3 of your meter). When you switch out of the PFL mode, the level will naturally drop unless your fader is up at unity gain.

[xstatic]

Most FPL signals are affected by EQ as well.