What Should the Meters Read When Tracking

[PHILANDDON]

I'm recording in 24bit. Roland says track between -12 and -4. Some say that's much too hot. I've had advice on another board to track between -24 and -18. Who's right? To the extent it matters, I'm tracking acoustic music (voice and guitar). I know I need headroom for compression/limiting gain adjustments....but how much? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[mshilarious]

I'm recording in 24bit. Roland says track between -12 and -4. Some say that's much too hot. I've had advice on another board to track between -24 and -18. Who's right? To the extent it matters, I'm tracking acoustic music (voice and guitar). I know I need headroom for compression/limiting gain adjustments....but how much? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Peak or average? Either way, -4 is too hot. -18 strikes me as a bit paranoid for a peak. Let's say peak at -6, assuming you are relatively sure of your peaks. If not, -9, -12, whatever you think you need.

 

[SonicAlbert]

Peak or average? Either way, -4 is too hot. -18 strikes me as a bit paranoid for a peak. Let's say peak at -6, assuming you are relatively sure of your peaks. If not, -9, -12, whatever you think you need.

-12 is very safe. Keep everything around -24 to -12 with the occasional peak above that and you should be doing fine.

 

[Massive Master]

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