setting the input level

[mrduval]

Real quick easy question at least I hope, when setting the levels to record you make sure its about what half way up the meter. I use pro tools m powered and I think I'm having the input level a little too high cause after its said and done I never have much headroom and the bass drum never clips when I set it but afterwards on playback its ALWAYS clipping I know this has to do with the level I set the input at. Is there a rule of thumb for tha cause I think I'm turning up the input signal so I can hear it better instead of turning up my monitors, atleast I know that's wrong. Hehehe thanks guys.

 

[scrouch]

You've lost me a bit here. If the level is in the mid range when it's recorded it should be at the same level when it play back unless you have any other volume changes applied or plugins that effect the level. When you get clipping in playback is it only the bass drum track that you're playing back? Are the levels the same in the track and the master fader?

 

[NYMorningstar]

If you're recording 24 bit then try recording around -18dbfs. That will give you plenty of headroom to play with.