If i don't have a compressor, how can i take control of the digital clip on my PC ?

[underp]

i know this has been asked before, but i can't find the topic.

anyway...

it has been a problem for me, to not get sounds louder from 0db when recording on my pc, and prevent distorted sounds.

i know that an analog compressor, is an option, but all i have right now is a mixing console and some mics.

any tip ?

 

[mattamatta]

You mean keeping it from clipping on input as it coems in, or keeping from clipping it during mixdown?

On input just take care to set your levels high enough to get a solid signal, but with plenty of room so it doesn't clip.

 

[underp]

yeah, that's what i meant sorry , keeping it from clipping on input as it comes.

 

[minofifa]

ya as matta suggested, you just gotta find the right balance. get to know the song and the performers and set the trim so that they are pushing the meters but not clipping. a compressor may help but it is not the be all end all perfect solution. if you don't know what you are doing with a compressor (like myself ) you will record crap that can't be undone once it is recorded. having nice microphones and good pramps will have your cause as well. one thing that may also help is recording in 24 bit, more dynamic head room.

 

[Massive Master]

In 24 bit, which everyone should be using, there's NO EXCUSE for clipping anymore.

There's NO reason to keep PEAKS above -3dBfs at any time - Recording OR mixing. Or mastering for that matter, but no one will ever go for giving up those last few dB... My personal preference is -6dBfs peaks. You want to hear what your converters actually sound like? Try it. You'll like it.

If your signal peaks above -47dBfs, (one more time in bold and red) -47dBfs, you're STILL getting better resolution than a 16-bit recording.

Record with -3 (or -6) dBfs peaks, mix with -3dBfs peaks, smash it during mastering if you want (it'll sound better anyway if it wasn't smashed from the start - usually louder also).

 

[mixsit]

Right on Massive!
It's so refreshing to see the 'Record HOT as possible or you'll loose resOLUtion' finally, slowly but surely, stomped into the GROUND.
Keep em coming.

 

[RD423]

a compressor may help

Not really, what he would need would be a limiter. some compressors have them built in but a lot of the cheap ones don't.

 

[minofifa]

Not really, what he would need would be a limiter. some compressors have them built in but a lot of the cheap ones don't.

fouled once again.... thanks for cleaning up, i forgot to mention that.

 

[Massive Master]

Right on Massive!
It's so refreshing to see the 'Record HOT as possible or you'll loose resOLUtion' finally, slowly but surely, stomped into the GROUND.
Keep em coming.

What's really refreshing is hearing the recordings that are done like this.

Especially after they're mastered properly.