-12db, analog vs digital level

[FALKEN]

I have heard that 0db analog translates to -12 db digital. I have also noticed that when I record a mix into my computer (using a layla24), while the level on sound forge is near 0db, the level on the layla console will be well above 0db. so,

1. is this related?

2. am I clipping? It definitely doesn't sound clipped. should I be recording in sound forge @ -12 db ?

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Gain Structure Article --> Meters, Signal Level, and Headroom

 

[FALKEN]

Nice Article, Bruce. I enjoyed it very much. But how should your friend solve his problem? Get a new mixer? I don't understand.

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

The "problem" as such, is simply not understanding the different meter readings at each point in the signal chain, especially when interfacing analog and digital gear... the solution is to know what the meters are actually telling you at each point in the chain and keep you recording levels at asuch a level that you can accommodate both analog gear headroom and digital signal levels (ie, don't be recording at -3dBFS if you have to interface with analog gear, because the analog inputs won't like such hot levels! (ie - you sacrifice bit-depth for level -- not really a big deal at all at with 24-bit converters!)

 

[mshilarious]

1. is this related?

Yes. The average level on your console should be close to 0dB, with higher peaks.

2. am I clipping? It definitely doesn't sound clipped.

Then probably not. If it doesn't sound clipped, and you don't see clipped waveforms, then it's not clipped.

should I be recording in sound forge @ -12 db ?

There's a good argument to be made that should be the average level of your finished product, but your peaks should be -3 to -6dBFS, depending on how comfortable you are with the consistency of your source.