windows recording level control?

[Ptron]

I'm mixing down some 8trk tape stuff using a mackie mixer into the line in of an ensoniq audioPCI card and using Dart CD recorder. Is there an optimum setting for that stupid little recording level fader(with the hard to use meter)in the windows mixer? (I know what the final level should look like in Dart's level meter) If I remember it right, when that fader was in it's original spot, before I stared messing with it, I had to turn the output of my board way down to avoid distortion. What's right? Or is it completely arbitrary where these things are set as long as the final level is good?

 

[drstawl]

I wish I could give you a quick Macgyver type of solution to get you through this. I struggled with less than stellar on-screen V/U meters for a long time until I found (for free, no less) CoolEdit96 which had some awesome V/Us. They were big enough to let you see a 1 dB difference on the fly. That's good enough to easily set your recording levels. I don't know where to get this anymore. i.e. they want some cash for the SW. I'm using Vegas Pro which is a really pricey multitracker.
But here again my first attraction to this SW was because I love the V/Us. I can easily see a 0.1 dB difference in Vegas Pro.
If something is distorting, you've got something overdriven somewhere. Track it down by backing off on the volume in every place in the chain you can and see where the grunge stops happening. Each link in the audio chain ought to be operated within its quietest operational band, and if possible the quietest spot within that band.

 

[Ptron]

The meter on the Dart cd recorder program IS less than stellar, but I am able to use it to set a final level with no clipping. The delimma is how to set the record level fader (It's in my taskbar in windows 98). The fader has no position markings to speak of. At it's default setting, I had to turn the main out on my board 20-30db below unity gain to avoid clipping. Is this O.K. or should I turn it down and set the mixer out closer to unity? Does it make any difference as long as the final recording doesn't clip?