DMP3 level question

[famous beagle]

Ok I broke down and bought a DMP3 as an upgrade over my Behri mixer pres. I'm recording into a Yamaha AW16G.

Here's my thing:

I'll set a good level on the DMP3, where the peaks are just under the red.

But when I then set the level on the Yamaha, I'm already just about redlining, even with the input trim backed off all the way. So I end up having to back the level off on the DMP3 in order to get a safe level on the Yamaha.

Is this a problem? Am I comprising sound quality by not using all of the DMP3's range?

thanks

 

[giraffe]

you'll be fine, nothing wrong with useing less gain on your pre, just means less noise from said pre
(though the dmp3 is relitively quiet)

 

[Carter]

Yeah what he said ^^^^^^^

 

[famous beagle]

Ok great. thanks guys.

 

[cominginsecond]

The meters on the DMP3 are useless, IMO. I don't look at them for anything.

 

[corban]

The inputs in my soundcard clip before my DMP3 too. Don't worry.

 

[Treeline]

Yep. What they said.

Listen to your ears and don't start with the meters. After a while you'll be able to translate a cranky meter, but you'll never translate a cranky mix. Ears first, always.

BTW I am a prettymuchnewbie and have a DMP3 - the thing rocks. I use it for all kinds of stuff.