Recording, quick question

[Prophet-One]

I'm currently using a Shure SM-58 to a Studio Projects VTB-1 to a Audiophile 2496

What does the output gain on the VTB need to be set too?

 

[Richard Monroe]

That, my man, would depend on what you are recording onto. The general rule of thumb is as high as you can go without any component in the signal chain being overloaded and clipping. In a digital domain, the highest peaks want to be about -4db, and if you are recording to tape, +4 db may be OK. Lots of people will give you different numbers, but I would say turn it up until you hear that nasssty crack. That's clipping. Then turn it down until you don't. Then turn it down a little bit more, to give yourself some headroom, which is like your safety margin.-Richie

 

[eeldip]

if you are planning on doing a bunch of tracks and are working in 24 bit -10 is all you will need. that way you will get some more headroom...

clipping is the worst. the WORST. low level in 24 bit audio aint so bad. AINT so bad.

 

[Prophet-One]

I'm recording rap vocals to a pc through the 2496

I'll go for the -4 and if it clips at all move it down

Thanks for the advice

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Prophet UNO:

Try running your vocal through an RNC just for the hell of it. Use the real nice compressor button and add a tad of gain with the dial on the far right -- or use your own compressor.

Green Hornet

 

[Prophet-One]

What, I don't have a RNC though, I have a 58, vtb and audiophile

I'm not looking to cop more gear just double checking the gain setttings

Or am I getting clowned and don't even understand?

 

[Richard Monroe]

No, Prophet, you're not getting clowned. Hornet is simply pointing out that a good compressor, when used properly, can help to run a hotter signal without clipping.-Richie