recording levels (rehashed)

[woody777]

So, I read this thread:
http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthr...evel+volume%22

And visited this site: http://www.independentrecording.net/...gain/index.htm

And I still have a few questions... more directed at my particalur setup and where my levels should be while recording.

I have a Focusrite Saffire PRO 10 i/o. Here is the spec in question (I think):
Nominal output level 0dBFS = 16dBu, balanced, +22dBu globally switched with external PSU connected across all outputs

According to Independent Recording, to find the desired dBFS level to record at, I take the dBu level (16dBu or 22dBu in my case), subtract the line level (+4dBu or -7.8dBu [-10dBV] - not sure which I have???), and make that number a negative.

So, I'm looking at -12 dBFS in 16dBu mode or -18 dBFS in 22dBu mode, assuming my unit is +4dBu line level input.

Am I correct in this so far? How can I figure out if I have a pro +4dBu level or consumer -10dBv level? Or should I just not worry about it and shoot for average levels of -18dBFS?

Here's a link to my unit: http://www.focusrite.com/global/prod...ire_pro_10_io/ (specs are at the bottom)

Thanks... I just want to figure this out before I get too heavy into tracking!

[Massive Master]

You're looking at output levels vs. input levels here...

When recording, I'd just shoot for -18dB(FS)RMS-ish levels and be done with it. Pretend that -15 or -12dBFS is the absolute ceiling (maybe a little higher on close-mic'd percussion) and you almost can't go wrong.

[SouthSIDE Glen]

Originally Posted by woody777

I have a Focusrite Saffire PRO 10 i/o. Here is the spec in question (I think):
Nominal output level 0dBFS = 16dBu, balanced, +22dBu globally switched with external PSU connected across all outputs
...
So, I'm looking at -12 dBFS in 16dBu mode or -18 dBFS in 22dBu mode, assuming my unit is +4dBu line level input.
...
Am I correct in this so far? How can I figure out if I have a pro +4dBu level or consumer -10dBv level? Or should I just not worry about it and shoot for average levels of -18dBFS?

Yeah, you pretty much have it down. The Focusrite does not specifically specify it's designed line level, but you can pretty much bet the bank that it's +4dBu.

I'm not sure quite about this (calling out mshilarious or RobertD for help), but I think the two different output specifications refer to whether the unit is getting it's power from the Firewire feed or from the external power supply that comes with the unit.

If that is the case, then you'll want to adjust your readings accordingly depending on how you're powering it. What would be intersting would be if you sent the exact same signal into the device, with the exact same gain settings, and then switched power supply. If the meters in your software run about 6dB different when running off of the FW power than they do using the wall wart, that'll pretty much tell ya whazzup.

Of course the key is to make sure your peaks don't clip at 0dBFS either way. Anything below clipping is pretty much probably going to work close enough for rock n' roll.

G.

[woody777]

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'm on the right track for the most part.

There's a software setting in the Saffire PRO control program that gives the inputs extra headroom... hence the two different numbers. Don't quite understand it and haven't really used it either. The preamps have quite a bit of room already.

And I'm about to show my total newbieness with this question:

Does any of this apply to midi? I can just turn the volume up or down and it doesn't matter what level it was tracked at (as long as it doesn't clip going in), right? You only need to be concerned when tracking with a mic or plugging a guitar or bass in direct?

[Massive Master]

Assuming you're rendering the signals "in the box" when you say "going in."

If you're recording an analog signal of a MIDI sound, the same things apply. And if it means anything, there's no particular advantage to rendering MIDI files too loud anyway. Once they're there, you're going to have to turn them down to mix anyway.