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.

 

[Nick98338]

Here's the rule of thumb... if it's clipping take your thumb and turn it down!

 

[danny.guitar]

The rule of thumb for tracking is to keep the average input level somewhere around -18 and -15db on your software meters. With peaks going no higher than -6db.

When you add more and more tracks, the master level will just increase so you need to turn down the tracks while mixing. This is a normal part of the mixing process. You can also just turn down the master fader, whichever one is easier for you.

If the volume is too low don't turn the tracks or the master fader up past unity gain (+0db). Turn up your monitors.

You CAN turn up the master fader so long as your mix isn't clipping, but it's best to turn up the monitors before resorting to that.