Recording Levels

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Alexrkstr

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Ugh... I knew about this a couple of years ago but I forgot.

Can someone please explain the recording levels? (I'm recording at 24bit using the Digi003 and PTLE 8)

For example, if my input on my guitar is at -6 and I add another one at -5... what does that net out in the master?

How do the levels come into play when adding inserts?

How do I know what level to record all tracks? Do I need to vary by instrument?
 
It's difficult to provide a specific answer to your question about adding two tracks together, for a few reasons:

First, values such as "-6" and "-5" dBFS themselves are not very specific. If you're talking peak values - i.e. those are the highest levels those tracks reach at their highest peaks - it only make sense to add them together when those peaks hit at exactly the same time.

Second, if you're talking average values, those values ignore the dynamics of each signal, whose values are constantly changing, causing any sum value to be constantly changing as well.

And third, and perhaps more important, once you get those tracks into your DAW, the fnal master sum is going to be totally dependent upon your actual mix levels, including channel trim, channel fader level, and any automation.

As far as actual recording levels to use, a good bet is to set the digital input faders at unity gain (the zero mark about 2/3rds of the way up) and then control the levels on the analog side as they go into your interface or A/D converter. Then using your DAW meters as your level monitor, set your levels so that the *average* level is somewhere between -22 and -16 dBFS, with a the same time ensuring your peaks are not reaching 0dBFS.

And, no, it doesn't mantter what instrument type, The relative instrument levels are what you'll take care of after you record and start mixing.

For a more in-depth and accurate description of this stuff, checkout www.independentrecording.net and click on the "Metering and Gain Structure" icon near the lower right of the front page.

HTH,

G.
 
This too: http://www.massivemastering.com/blog/index_files/Proper_Audio_Recording_Levels.php

One thing I can tell you for sure -

You're far (FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRR) better of being 12dB "to low" than 2dB too hot.

-6dBFS + -5dBFS = "CLIP" in some cases. Too hot. WAY too hot - Especially for guitars (or vocals, or anything with a relatively smooth transient). Assuming you're talking about playback levels - Or tracking levels for that matter...

Although that's not a bad place to be on he 2-buss - assuming there is no excessive compression or any limiting going on...
 
Just a note that clipping in a system is also dependent on how data is stored and processed within a system. PTLE uses 32 bit floating point so it is more difficult to clip.

A good explanation of gain staging in different systems may be found here:
http://emusician.com/tutorials/max_headroom/
 
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