424MKIII levels/ recording vs. playback

[clevodrummer]

The manual says to keep it up from peaking out around 6db, everything else I read says around -0- db for universal applications.

Is it normal for the meters to run lower at playback than where they were when I recorded them?

When I record a bass guitar and try to keep it at 0+ up to six it shows lower levels at playback.

Im not sure if I should trim it even higher during recording so playback levels are higher.

Im running the bass guitar through a POD at tube preamp/compression setting. Im thinking I should record with levels closer to 6db at all times.
I need to get an idea so I can get off the ground with good info as far as level settings.

I figured I better get an answer to this question before I even think about the drum mix.

Thanks.
"better to ask now than later"

 

[cjacek]

The manual says to keep it up from peaking out around 6db, everything else I read says around -0- db for universal applications.

Is it normal for the meters to run lower at playback than where they were when I recorded them?

When I record a bass guitar and try to keep it at 0+ up to six it shows lower levels at playback.

Im not sure if I should trim it even higher during recording so playback levels are higher.

Im running the bass guitar through a POD at tube preamp/compression setting. Im thinking I should record with levels closer to 6db at all times.
I need to get an idea so I can get off the ground with good info as far as level settings.

I figured I better get an answer to this question before I even think about the drum mix.

Thanks.
"better to ask now than later"

If you have the dbx noise reduction engaged, as you should, there is no reason to go much into the red. As long as your peaks are around 0db then all is well.

If the play levels are lower than the rec levels by 1 or 2 db then no big deal but if it's more severe then try another tape (assuming your tape path cleaning / maintenance is up to par). Many new and currently made type II tapes have horrible quality control and can change from batch to batch. I've been through all of that and every Maxell, TDK and Fuji had problems (that I had tried -- your results may vary ). I literally had to try out 5 or 10 tapes (from the same batch) to find one which either didn't have bad dropouts or screwed up levels. If you machine is new and or very well maintained without issues then bad tape is most likely you have. Another thing you may want to look out for is Maxell UD XL cassettes which show up on ebay occassionally. A MUCH better tape formulation, from the 80's, that I have played with. Little to no dropouts and rec / play levels dead on. Here's a pic: