"To use the mic trim first or not to use it first? "

[Nilbog]

We've been having a discussion in the minidisk forum
(http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?postid=93638#post93638)

about when to use the mic gains. We all have different ideas so I decided to enlist the help of the mixing masters. Here's the original message posted by The Green Hornet:
"Yo Goblin:

I read somewhere in this forum, from some post, by Ed, I think, maybe not, THAT: wHEN cranking up the MD-8 that the MIC TRIM SHOULD BE SET FIRST and then find a level with the fader for a given track. I haven't tried that yet; just wondered if that is accurate? Everytime I turn on the PC I learn something.

Thanks,

Green Hornet"

Any ideas?
-Nilbog

[Proveras]

I already post in the other thread, but here is the Link again:

http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthr...threadid=16001

also:
http://homerecording.about.com/music...htm?terms=gain

[drstawl]

With my Portastudios its the Combination of trim/gain settings that matters. It's frustrating when every combination sounds like shit and you have to decide between them. But it can be done.

[pglewis]

Mic trim first, always. That's the gain level of your mic pre. Too high, and your signal will distort no matter how low you set it farther "down the line". Too low, and you'll be working closer to the noise floor. You should follow the signal chain in order. If you don't know the signal chain, you should learn it. [not trying to sound arrogant... I'm just typing in a hurry]

[Proveras]

it is logical that you have to follow your signal chain in order and set what it's first.

(dhhuuu!!)

Advanced Signal Flow.
http://homerecording.about.com/music...g&TopNode=4911

[RWhite]

In most cases I set the Mic trim first. But if the signal you are going to be recording is of a "flat" volumne level (like an organ) I would set the channel fader first, then adjust the gain until I am getting the hottest signal my system can safely handle. Don't know if that's right, that's just the way I would do it....