Pushging the levels when recording

  • Thread starter Thread starter jeffreysw
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jeffreysw

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When I record or mix down and get the levels anywhere close to 0db and then convert the song to a *.wav file, the peaks of the song are distorted. If I mix down to tape, the song sounds fine. What is the upper limit on the levels when recording? Is the concept of pushing the limits of the levels the same for digital recording as that for tape? (With tape, the hotter the signal, the lower the background tape noise, as a percentage of the total sound).
Bill Jeffreys
 
digital clipping

you can not clip the signal at all, unlike analog, there is no room for error on this, are you using a computer to mix your files? if so you can see a clipped file in the wav form looks square at the top.....you have to get a hot signal, but never let it clip (red light)

during the mastering proces compressors and limitors are used to get the signal hotter, 0 decibils is too loud -1 would be a better goal
 
Last edited:
10-4

Thanks. The next song I work on I'll try to keep the -1 guidline as a max.
 
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