Volume levels help

[Alexrkstr]

Hi guys, very basic question, I need help setting up my recording levels.

Signal chain: Guitar --> Apogee ONE --> Mac-GarageBand

Basically, there are many volume levels in that chain:
1. Gain/Vol input from the Apogee into the Mac
2. Volume in the virtual amp:
--> Amp Volume
--> Amp Output Level
3. Track Volume
4. Song Master Volume

 

[Farview]

The only level control that make a difference is the input to the apogee. Once the signal is digitized in the computer, the actual level doesn't matter much.

The recording level is the level into the apogee. Everything else is mix level, which has to be set according to how you want each instrument to sit in the mix in the context of the others.

The master buss level should always be set at 0. If the mix is clipping, you need to back off the levels of the individual tracks so that it doesn't.

 

[MG Eddie]

Set it up anyway that it sounds good, just don't have one part of your gain structure turned all the way up and another turned all the way down.

Also farview has good advice, listen to em.

 

[bouldersoundguy]

+1 to Farview's advice.

Also, your target recording level should be about -12dBFS peak.

 

[rfahey86]

Zero the channel fader in the DAW. then adjust the volume of the preamp in the Apogee unit you get your level for recording.

 

[mixsit]

Zero the channel fader in the DAW. then adjust the volume of the preamp in the Apogee unit you get your level for recording.

The meter ought to go to prefader (pre everything) in record mode. Otherwise.. what a mess that would be.

 

[rfahey86]

The meter ought to go to prefader (pre everything) in record mode. Otherwise.. what a mess that would be.

Its only prefader during input monitoring mode right?