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#1
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Preamp Gain vs. Digital Output
Hoping to get some opinions on this question regarding settings for preamps and converters? Here is 2 scenarios, whichever you feel “generally speaking” works better?
1.)Cranking the Preamp signal (analog) and minimize the digital output signal (on converter) Or 2.)Having a lower Preamp signal and cranking up the digital output? I realize the opinions will vary and it’s probs best to experiment on your own for the best sound but I am wondering if there is a general rule of thumb with this?To be honest I used to have my gain on preamps cranked and had a lower digital output on converter and this was not nearly as good as lowering my preamp signal (reduced gain) and raising the digital output signal. I am still messing around to get the best sound but I feel like it’s way better to have the digital output on my converter engaged to the max even if it means I have to lower the gain/signal on the preamp. Opinions? |
#2
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Re: Preamp Gain vs. Digital Output
I shoot for 0 VU on my UA 6176, and 0 to +4 dbu on my Portico 5012s. Those levels sounds the best to me, and roughly translates to -18 to -14 dbfs in Pro Tools. A comfortable level.
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#3
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Re: Preamp Gain vs. Digital Output
The only reason to go with cranking the preamp and turning down at the converter is if you want distortion from driving the preamp hard. Some preamps(Neve?) do have a pleasing sound when driven hard, but, with all the plugins available, I rarely go for it at the preamp(its too easy to overdo it and once overdone, its overdone forever)
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