Record level on adat, How High?

[Brian01]

When you are making your initial raw tracks, do you want the levels to record as hot as possible (like on tape)? Like just below clipping?
This is for an XT-20. I would assume so, but I was wondering how this works in the digital world, if its as necessary.

Thanks

-Brian

[Cyrokk]

Unlike analog, you do not want to record as hot as possible, because you'll get nasty, cold digital distortion. 0db in the digital domain represents the maximum limit the sound can get before distortion. There is no compromise. Keep your levels out of the red.

Cy

[Blue Bear Sound]

ADAT XT20 meters are calibrated to read about -15 dbFS when you send a 0VU signal to them...................


Bruce

[Brian01]

What I mean,

does it make a difference to be recording almost to the point of clipping (but not past that), or to record way way below that point? On tape it makes a huge difference, but I would think it would sound better to got a fatter signal no?

[Kendog]

You should get as hot as you can SAFELY. Going far below will just raise your noise floor. The ADATs themselves won't contribute to the noise floor, but your cables, patchbays, mics, and processors will.

Keep the levels as hot as you can without going red, then push a little more. A little red never hurt anyone. If you can't hear distortion in the digital realm, it's not there. Push it.

Ken Rutkowski
Outer Limit Recording Studio