Home Studio Help With Setup

[canelojones]

I just started a small home studio. I have a MXL Genesis FET mic and a Presonus AudioBox. I don't play or record instruments, I just record vocals over instrumentals. I was wondering what volume level should I have the microphone on the Audiobox before I start recording?

 

[miroslav]

You'll have to meter at your DAW since the Presonus AudioBox has no metering of its own.

Just try to get your level so it's averaging in the -18dBFS to -12dBFS range...if you hit any peaks that go a bit over, it's not a problem.

Don't set your preamp level by how loud you want to hear the playback on your speakers....for that, use the speaker's volume knob.
Also, once in the computer, you can always adjust the record level to match your other tracks....so you don't need to immediately try and do that while recording.

 

[canelojones]

You'll have to meter at your DAW since the Presonus AudioBox has no metering of its own.

Just try to get your level so it's averaging in the -18dBFS to -12dBFS range...if you hit any peaks that go a bit over, it's not a problem.

Don't set your preamp level by how loud you want to hear the playback on your speakers....for that, use the speaker's volume knob.
Also, once in the computer, you can always adjust the record level to match your other tracks....so you don't need to immediately try and do that while recording.

Thanks a lot! I look forward to being an active member of this community.