Hot Import Files

[doncol07]

Hey,

I'm using Sonar 4 and loops that I import are really hot and meter up way into the red when they play back when volume and volume trim are at 0 dB, but you can't really hear any distortion. I have to cut the volume trim by about 6 dB to keep it from pegging the meters. If I cut the loop trim, I have to bring down everything else in the mix, reducing my output gain. It seems to do this on all loops. Should this be happening and is there some other setting I can adjust to fix it without having to drop the trim?

Thanks!

Donny

 

[DavidK]

I would doubt it matters but I really dont know, I am responding to be linked to this thread when someone answers, its a good question.

I cant see how it would actually matter. Maybe I am mistaken and someone correct me if I am wrong, but when you import something its a done deal recording wise. Sure, turning down the trim will keep the onscreen fader at 0 if you want it, but turning down the fader does the same thing soundwise, you just have a low fader. Am I wrong?

 

[Porter]

I'm using Sonar 4 and loops that I import are really hot and meter up way into the red when they play back when volume and volume trim are at 0 dB, but you can't really hear any distortion. I have to cut the volume trim by about 6 dB to keep it from pegging the meters. If I cut the loop trim, I have to bring down everything else in the mix, reducing my output gain. It seems to do this on all loops. Should this be happening and is there some other setting I can adjust to fix it without having to drop the trim?

The clips 'should' import at the volume which they were recorded/processed at. When you say pegging the meters are you referring to just one track going up to 0db, you have to remeber (now let's see if I do), 0db + 0db = +3db.

Are the tracks actually peaking at 0db when you play them? It's possible that someone has put a limiter on the audio track and normalised it to 0db.

I didn't get the section "If I cut the loop trim, I have to bring down everything else in the mix, reducing my output gain. It seems to do this on all loops." If you just adjust the trim on the track it shouldn't effect other tracks should it? I guess it all comes down to mixing all the tracks so they fit, and to get the extra gain a compressor on the Master Bus .

Daniel

 

[DavidK]

I have always wondered about the accuracy of the meters of various software. Either it is my imagination or different platforms "clip" differently.

MAYBE something that is fine in FL clips in Sonar, is this possible? I dont know much about this and would like to learn a lot more, I dont quite understand clipping yet, especially when I cannot hear it.

 

[Porter]

I have always wondered about the accuracy of the meters of various software. Either it is my imagination or different platforms "clip" differently.

MAYBE something that is fine in FL clips in Sonar, is this possible? I dont know much about this and would like to learn a lot more, I dont quite understand clipping yet, especially when I cannot hear it.

I imagine that that would be very possible thanks to the audio engine being different in different applications.

Note: Next few comments are speculation only.

Each program has to read a file, and when I look at a newspaper compared to you David, we would both see it different ways, the contents is still the same, but different interpretations/colours would effects us more (this being the audio engine), it comes down to how we interpret the raw data, plus then if when running through a channel strip in the program if there is any colouration to the audio it could make it peak..

I might search later for some White Papers on the Cakewalk engine and see what I can find.

Daniel

 

[jmorris]

real quick, what sound card? You should be able to adjust input levels. Are you running it through like a Motu or disc. Sorry if this was covered. In a hurry,just saw the post and thought I might help. Off to live gig from hell.