ART preamp settings

[geddgadd]

IM not sure what is the best technique for running this preamp into a computer sound card. Should I have the OUTPUT dial all the way up and mess with the INPUT dial to get the right levels, or vice versa?

Thanks

 

[eclips1]

I ajust the input to get in "the sweet spot" between clean and clip where my vocal sounds the warmest. Then I ajust the output to get a good recording level into my computer(I go as close as possible to zero without going over).

Another engineer told me that as long as your above
-12dbs you are using all of your sampling rate(@44.1kz), but I think going as close to zero as possible utilizes more bits than if you were not to. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[James HE]

It's a matter of taste. With mics I don't like to drive the MP very hard, so I usually nearly max out the output, and set the input to wherever it needs to be. With instrument signals, I tweak the input to taste more. There are no such things as settings, just situations.

-jhe

 

[sonusman]

I ajust the input to get in "the sweet spot" between clean and clip where my vocal sounds the warmest. Then I ajust the output to get a good recording level into my computer(I go as close as possible to zero without going over).

Another engineer told me that as long as your above
-12dbs you are using all of your sampling rate(@44.1kz), but I think going as close to zero as possible utilizes more bits than if you were not to. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Did that engineer say "sampling rate" or "bit depth"?

If he said sampling rate, I wouldn't listen to another word he says, EVER!!!

As with any preamp that has input and output control, the settings you use depend upon the type of sound you want. This is furthered by the type of mic you are using, the source sound, and the type of sound you are seeking.

Experimention is the key here, like EVERYTHING in audio.

If you are going to rely upon setting that preamp by the advice posted on a home recording BBS, then you need to check out some good local studios to do your work in. This is not the extent of a knock that you may think it is, but that is pathetic beyond belief! Use your ears and adjust until you hear what you are seeking!

Good luck.

Ed

 

[eclips1]

sonusman, he said sampling rate, but I did some research on digital voltage and found most of his advise suspect...I have to partially disagree with you about asking for advise in a forum. These forums have provided me with a wealth of knowledge to add to my own. True, there is no substitute for hands on experience in developing your skills as an engineer, but I don't see anything wrong with asking for directions. It would be bogus to take any info of any forum as indisputable law, but it definatley helps beginners, intermediates, or even advanced engineers, I think to have a place like this to collect info. For every hour I spend online, or in a book reading about engineering, I spend ten hours in my studio validating, disproving, and tweaking the info I get.