Setting levels

[brich2929]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum and new to recording. I need advice on setting levels, primarily for recording electric guitar/clean and distorted thru an amp. I am using a Tascam 424MkIII currently.

The meter goes up to +6db. I don't yet have a separate control room and i find it difficult to dtermine thru my closed ear monitor headphones what is the real sound coming from the amp and what is the amp's sound thru the mixer. I know that avg levels should be 0db but I like toplay loud to get the dynamics I want and I fear I'll clip. When I hit my pedals, especially distortion the avg level goes from 0db to 6.

My goal is to get on tape the same sound you'd hear if in the room. I know this is the most basic question ever but...
Help!!!

 

[grinder]

Adjust your clean and distortion levels to match each other or at least be in the same ballpark. Adjust the level, so the signal is 0 or slightly clipping, during the loudest parts. It's alright to clip the meters some, with analog, +6 is probably too much. Since you don't have monitors, plug the Tascam into your stereo for play back. Play around with mic positioning, an inch or two can make a big differance.

 

[SPINSTERWUN]

Read........

http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/directory.htm

BUT..... read this page first!

http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/articles12.htm

 

[brich2929]

Read........

http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/directory.htm

BUT..... read this page first!

http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/articles12.htm

Thanks! Looks like I have a ton of reading to do!