Re: Setting levels betw mic pre and DAW

docsavage20@xxxxxxxxx wrote in
news:1139834855.146144.13500@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx:

Then set
the output side level such that it never overloads the analog to
digital converter (which I assume is inside your computer sound
card).

Okay, but this is also a function of the input sliders on the
computer. I.e. - line level and record level. That was my original
question, best scheme between preamp-out and record level/line inputs
for most signal/least noise? Or does it even matter, assuming you've
got an optimally "hot" level on the input side of the mic pre? Is the
level of the green bar on the recording software all that matters?

Kinda sorta.

The jack on your sound card feeds directly into a device that converts
electrical waves into bits. That part is usually ahead of the 'input
sliders'. If you overload that, it will clip regardless of the level
farther down the line. To set the output level on your preamp, feed a loud
level into your computer with the computer levels turned down pretty far.
At some point the sound will start getting ugly even though it's quiet.
That's the ADC (analog to digital converter) clipping.

Feeding your ADC at the max level that doesn't clip gives you the most
dynamic range and least noise. More on that below.


"GS" <NoMail@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:dsnndc$fvi$02$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

+4dBU = -18dBFS

Translation?

Nominal "loud" output from your preamp (0 dB on the meter if it has
one)

Yes.

should be no louder than 18 dB below Full Scale on the computer (-18
dBFS)

Seriously? If I'm understanding, you're saying the loudest output from
the mic pre should only go to -18db on the level meter on Soundforge?
I guess that seems kind of low.

Seriously. Now, that's not the loudest output. Your preamp meter goes
past 0 doesn't it? The rule is that zero analog is -18 dB digital because
most analog gear (your preamp) can go well beyond 0 before it sounds really
bad. Digital gear stops cold at 0.

Also, your preamp is never going to have the dynamic range of your computer
(this continues from above). The computer, even in 16 bits has a 96 dB
range from loudest to softest. It is highly unlikely you'll ever be in an
environment where your mic preamp needs as much as 70 dB of dynamic range.
So the remaining (96-70=) 26 dB are your headroom (18 dB above) and noise
floor (8 dB below) your signal. 24 bits gives you even more range.

How much does it change things if I'm using an Audigy? (Which I take
it, being a consumer product is in the -10 realm, not +4)

Then -10dBv = -18dBFS. Same rules apply.
.

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