Is there a way to monitor the levels visually other than by pressing record?

[jbroad572]

I want to be able to check the level meters whenever I am not recording, but it seems like the only way to check the levels in Audition is after you press the record. I could use my soundcard's meter, but they don't match up to the software meter, so that is not useful, nor do the preamps meters.

[Massive Master]

You need to find out some sort of calibration point...

The meters on your preamps @ 0dBVU should register somewhere between -18 and -12dBFS. Which, at 24-bit, is a very nice place to be.

But really - When it comes down to it, your entire chain should be calibrated properly. If it's not, start there.

[mixmkr]

in Adobe Audiion, when the track is armed for recording, you can right click the meters, and a pop down file will appear allowing you to check "monitor record level".... it should be the top item on the pop down. You don't even have to be recording...just "record ready. " I do it everytime I am laying down a new track and need to set levels.

I don't disagree with Massive's suggestions, but I think you might find it frustrating trying to "cope" with the meters in AA. But, the above method I suggested will keep you from clipping if you check levels that way. If going for the best signal/noise ratio, follow Massive's advice.

[jbroad572]

Originally Posted by mixmkr

in Adobe Audiion, when the track is armed for recording, you can right click the meters, and a pop down file will appear allowing you to check "monitor record level".... it should be the top item on the pop down. You don't even have to be recording...just "record ready. " I do it everytime I am laying down a new track and need to set levels.

I don't disagree with Massive's suggestions, but I think you might find it frustrating trying to "cope" with the meters in AA. But, the above method I suggested will keep you from clipping if you check levels that way. If going for the best signal/noise ratio, follow Massive's advice.

I did the monitor levels, but the levels just stay around -68 decibels when I'm yelling in the mic. When I press record then the accurate levels are shown... am I missing something?

[jbroad572]

Originally Posted by Massive Master

You need to find out some sort of calibration point...

The meters on your preamps @ 0dBVU should register somewhere between -18 and -12dBFS. Which, at 24-bit, is a very nice place to be.

But really - When it comes down to it, your entire chain should be calibrated properly. If it's not, start there.

I turned the gain down all the way (+6 to +36/66) on my preamp (DMP3) and in AA it is registering around -27db when about 6-8 inches from the mic and close mic'ed around the -12. Depending on the application, I would want to turn the gain on the preamp up to get the right levels in AA or do I want to mess with the levels in Soundcard's manager?
I do want to make sure my system is calibrated the best it can be, never knew how to do it though. Thanks for the help. I noticed better quality when trying a quick recording, with the gain all the way down.. maybe it's just me and placebo?

[mixmkr]

Originally Posted by jbroad572

I did the monitor levels, but the levels just stay around -68 decibels when I'm yelling in the mic. When I press record then the accurate levels are shown... am I missing something?

yes... you should get the same levels both ways. You HAVE to have a track ready for recording (make sure the red record button is clicked/highlighted), and when you select the option of "monitor record levels", the meters should begin to work. I am not talking actual recording now...just setting levels before you start. For some reason I am unable to have it as a default, and always have to click the option when I want to see the meters. Once you DO start recording, the option then goes away, but you should be able to see the levels you are getting by looking at the waveform as it is created, as the meters aren't showing the incoming at that point for some silly reason.

[jbroad572]

Originally Posted by mixmkr

yes... you should get the same levels both ways. You HAVE to have a track ready for recording (make sure the red record button is clicked/highlighted), and when you select the option of "monitor record levels", the meters should begin to work. I am not talking actual recording now...just setting levels before you start. For some reason I am unable to have it as a default, and always have to click the option when I want to see the meters. Once you DO start recording, the option then goes away, but you should be able to see the levels you are getting by looking at the waveform as it is created, as the meters aren't showing the incoming at that point for some silly reason.

Yea, I remember doing this a few months ago and it did the same thing, so I thought something was wrong. But the track is armed, but it just stays and moves around -68. When I actually press record to start recording then the levels are around the -10/-2 mark, working properly. Not sure what the deal is. When the mic is unplugged I can still see the meters blinking to just -71 and -70.

[mixmkr]

I want to think that the meters are basically just showing you your noise floor. I am kinda stumped at this point, unfortunately.... unless you have the input assigns weirded out or something. Sorry, I am out of ideas.

But I will say this, when you are recording, I want to think that is your output levels, VS what is going in.

[jbroad572]

Originally Posted by mixmkr

I want to think that the meters are basically just showing you your noise floor. I am kinda stumped at this point, unfortunately.... unless you have the input assigns weirded out or something. Sorry, I am out of ideas.

But I will say this, when you are recording, I want to think that is your output levels, VS what is going in.

Got it working! I reassigned a few inputs and outputs, restarted and it works now.
Thanks!
Now, if I could learn to properly calibrate my system, time to go search....

[mixmkr]