Question about mic levels

[mrgs711]

I'm using an akg 220 perception mic with the PreSonus AudioBox. I'm also using Adobe Audition 3.0 to record the vocals in, but I'm not sure how loud the vocals should be in the mix when I record them. This might be a stupid question but should I be recording them so they come out a little quiet and then raise the volume, record them just under the point of clipping (where they're not clipping obviously) or can i record them clipping and bring the volume down (which I assume I shouldnt do, but just to be sure). Which one these should I be aiming for to get the best quality. Also I'm recording rap vocals so is there a general idea of how far I should be from the mic or does that vary on the artist?

 

[Massive Master]

Holy crap, dude - You shouldn't even be worrying about final levels during tracking.

You shouldn't even be in the same ZIP CODE as "clipping" -- On a vocal track, *maybe* peak at -12dBFS at the input (MAYBE). Set your headphone mix however you want - Don't scorch it at the input... That's your first chance to lose everything.

Basic goofiness about tracking levels if you're bored: Proper Audio Recording Levels | Rants, Articles | MASSIVE Mastering

Distance from the mic? "It depends" - On everything. The vocalist, the mic/preamp, the room, the sound you're shooting for.

 

[mrgs711]

lmao, thanks bro, im really dumb so i didnt know that, ill give it a try

 

[grimtraveller]

It's about getting smart

lmao, thanks bro, im really dumb so i didnt know that, ill give it a try

It doesn't matter how dumb one is. We all had to start somewhere and being 'dumb' is the first important step on the road to being smart.