Help with recording levels--Duet 2 GarageBand

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hucklebilly

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This is a typical newbie question, but I can't seem to find a clear explanation anywhere. When people talk about setting your recording levels at around -18 dBFS, where am I supposed to find that level? I'm using a Duet 2 into GarageBand and there are input levels in the Maestro software, but nothing with a negative value, there are track levels and a master level in GarageBand, and then the LED meter on the Duet 2 itself. With all these level meters, I'm confused about where to set THE recording level.
 
I'm not a GarageBand user but you want to record so that the result of the recording on the track meter hovers around -18 (0 dB being the top of the meter). The peaks can go higher but the top of the bar needs to be generally around -18.
 
The "-18db" or whatever level we're talking about is the actual level you are aiming for , not something you you're trying to find on a knob or slider. You should be adjusting your input knob or slider so that the level READS -18db on your channel strip.
 
RAMI said:
The "-18db" or whatever level we're talking about is the actual level you are aiming for , not something you you're trying to find on a knob or slider. You should be adjusting your input knob or slider so that the level READS -18db on your channel strip.
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Thanks for your replies!

RAMI--I can't find a channel strip (meter?) in GarageBand or on the Duet that has a dBFS level readings. Am I missing something? (As a newbie, I realize the answer is probably "yes").
 
They're talking about the little light up input meter in garageband.
When you're recording a mic or instrument, the meter on your track should be lighting up.

I'm not sure if it's numbered in garageband or not, but the vague simple rule is to keep it green. Aim to peak about 2/3 of the way up the meter; Not at the top.
 
I use GarageBand too.. click on the volume slider on the track you are recording. As you move it, you should see a number either increasing or decreasing depending on where you are moving it. Move it far enough left so that it gets to -18, and start recording.
Like it says above, keep the meter green. That's the best rule to follow.
 
Xaaron1377 said:
I use GarageBand too.. click on the volume slider on the track you are recording. As you move it, you should see a number either increasing or decreasing depending on where you are moving it. Move it far enough left so that it gets to -18, and start recording.
Like it says above, keep the meter green. That's the best rule to follow.
Click to expand...

That's actually quite misleading. The number that appears when you move the fader tells you how much of the existing signal you are mixing in - NOT what level that signal is originally at, which is what we are trying to change.
The meter is what you should be looking at, assuming it displays the record level, not the 'replay' level if you like.

Hucklebilly, just make sure your meter NEVER hits the the top. The rule of thumb levels are designed to make that easier to do, but the ultimate aim is to record at a decent level without hitting the top.
 
cobaltaudio said:
That's actually quite misleading. The number that appears when you move the fader tells you how much of the existing signal you are mixing in - NOT what level that signal is originally at, which is what we are trying to change.
The meter is what you should be looking at, assuming it displays the record level, not the 'replay' level if you like.

Hucklebilly, just make sure your meter NEVER hits the the top. The rule of thumb levels are designed to make that easier to do, but the ultimate aim is to record at a decent level without hitting the top.
Click to expand...

Thanks Cobalt! So by the "meter" you mean the little individual track meters in GB?
 
cobaltaudio said:
That's actually quite misleading. The number that appears when you move the fader tells you how much of the existing signal you are mixing in - NOT what level that signal is originally at, which is what we are trying to change.
The meter is what you should be looking at, assuming it displays the record level, not the 'replay' level if you like.

Hucklebilly, just make sure your meter NEVER hits the the top. The rule of thumb levels are designed to make that easier to do, but the ultimate aim is to record at a decent level without hitting the top.
Click to expand...

My bad. I didn't know exactly what the question was. Just listen to these other guys, they have much more recording experience then I do :thumbs up:
 
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