How do I boost the gain while recording?

[Sound Student]

When I record voices they always come out too low. In order to make the audio clip reach the levels I need it to reach I need to boost the gain then double it with itself. Is there a way I can avoid doing all that and just record the voice at the level I want it? Is there a way to boost the gain while recording? (Is that even the best way to go about it?)

[Sound Student]

I posted this is in the wrong forum

[chrisdee]

Hello.

What equipement are you using. Soundcard, preamp, microphone, cables, software etc.
How do you connect (through mic input or line input) ?

When recording vocals you should connect the microphone to the soundcard microphone input (wich usually has a built in preamp) with a microphone cable.
If it doesn't have a built in preamp you need an external preamp wich you connect to the line input of your soundcard.

When everything is connected right you start setting the input level on your built in or external preamp untill you get a sufficient signal.
For me thats between -18 dB and -12dB. Peaks can be a bit higher but try to make it even while recording.