Various semi-n00b Questions...

[the inDifferenc]

After recording a few tracks on my PC, I've come to the conclusion that my recordings will never be studio quality with the equipment I currently own. I would like to make the most of what I do have though.

My device order:
Mics(SM57+58) --> Mixer/PreAmp(Alesis MultiMix 8) --> M-Audio 2496 --> Cakewalk Sonar 4 PE

I am curious on what levels to record at (gain, master mix full, at 1/2, 3/4?) , and basically any tips and/or tricks to get the most out of your recordings.

Any input would be greatly apprieciated.

Cheers

 

[HeyHeyMyMy]

I'm relatively new too, but I'd have to recommend the trial and error route. My setup isn't much better than yours, but with some tweaking it can sound pretty decent. It's tough to recommend levels when we don't know what you're trying to record. It also depends on mic placement, yadda yadda yadda, you know how it goes. Trial and error my friend, trial and error.

 

[Rokket]

After recording a few tracks on my PC, I've come to the conclusion that my recordings will never be studio quality with the equipment I currently own. I would like to make the most of what I do have though.

My device order:
Mics(SM57+58) --> Mixer/PreAmp(Alesis MultiMix 8) --> M-Audio 2496 --> Cakewalk Sonar 4 PE

I am curious on what levels to record at (gain, master mix full, at 1/2, 3/4?) , and basically any tips and/or tricks to get the most out of your recordings.

Any input would be greatly apprieciated.

Cheers

Set the gains to the highest level you can without clipping.
Master levels should be set to "unity": on the faders on your mixer, it will be where the group of hash marks are all together about 3/4 of the way from the top. Everything should be recorded so that you have some "headroom", in other words, compensation for volume increase as you add more and more tracks to the work. You are trying to get close to 0db in the mix, but lower volumes are more desired to keep the headroom.
I hope this was helpful.
I think I confused myself...

 

[Massive Master]

You are trying to get close to 0db in the mix, but lower volumes are more desired to keep the headroom.

but lower volumes are more desired to keep the headroom.

to keep the headroom.

headroom.

That means DON'T CLIP!!! Record in 24-bit, get "good" levels - If they're riding at -12 or -18 and occasionally peaking up to -4 or -3, THAT'S FINE. Hit the RECORD button and go.

 

[the inDifferenc]

Thanks for all the scrumtralesscent advice.