Let's talk levels

[emederos]

When tweaking the gain on my Mic (AT 3035) while working on my Korg D1600, I fiddle with the 'trim' knob to adjust the gain.

In doing so, I watch the meter view which shows me:
- the levels for tracks 1-16
- a column labeled "SND" which has a "1" and "2", with corresponding levels,
- another column labeled "MON", this time with "L" and "R", and corresponding levels
- a last column labeled "MST", again with "L" and "R", again with their respective levels.

What exactly am I looking at here to make sure that I have optimal levels going into my microphone? I know i'm obviously looking to make sure that the signal doesn't clip, but what else should I be looking to do to get the best signal out of my mic?

 

[Massive Master]

The manual will probably tell you which point each meter is showing -- Otherwise, "not clipping" can still be much too hot as well... Proper Audio Recording Levels | Rants, Articles | MASSIVE Mastering

 

[Dogbreath]

I'll set my input faders, track faders and master fader to unity then use the trim to set my levels to around -18 rms with peaks no higher than around -6.

 

[Dogbreath]

This is when tracking, btw....

 

[emederos]

Massive, thanks for the link. Good read.

Dogbreath. When you refer to "tracking" what exactly does that mean?

 

[timtimtim]

Tracking means recording

 

[Track Rat]

The actual multitrack recording.

 

[emederos]

Thanks, guys. Much appreciated.