basic mixer question.

[michaelq]

i know this is probably a question i'm supposed to know, but upon mixing when i'm trying to set the levels of the instrument in which order do i set them. do i get the trim knob set first, the main mix know, or the separate channel fader? i dont know maybe it doesnt even matter, i'm just having problems getting levels set right without too much noise going on in my recordings. thanks. michaelq

[Seanmorse79]

...depends on what you're recording. Sounds like you're talking about a keyboard or a guitar effects box. Given either, here's what I do:

1. I'd set your instrument's level first. Make sure it's up enough to let a good, solid signal through, but not cranked - usually between 1/2 and 3/4.

2. Set your mixer's fader at 1/2, and bring the trim to where you've got the right signal level (also, making sure it's not cranked).

3. Then fine tune with the fader.

I'm sure you can find a more scientific method (search on "gain staging"), but this works well for me most of the time.