Vocal Track is clipping at -20db

[johngbarrett00]

Recently, I switched interfaces from my Scarlet 2i2 to a Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD. Now, every time I record a dynamic vocal, I find that the track sounds like its clipping very badly during the loud parts but none of my meters show that it is anywhere near clipping. The meters show that the track is peaking at about -20db. I find myself using very drastic automation to turn down the track but this leaves the loud parts sounding horribly lifeless. This is very frustrating because nearly all of my vocals are dynamic so it makes it impossible to record. I reset my preferences to make sure it didn't have to do with metering prefs, it did not fix anything. Does this have anything to do with the interface?

[Darryl Ramm]

Originally Posted by johngbarrett00

Recently, I switched interfaces from my Scarlet 2i2 to a Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD. Now, every time I record a dynamic vocal, I find that the track sounds like its clipping very badly during the loud parts but none of my meters show that it is anywhere near clipping. The meters show that the track is peaking at about -20db. I find myself using very drastic automation to turn down the track but this leaves the loud parts sounding horribly lifeless. This is very frustrating because nearly all of my vocals are dynamic so it makes it impossible to record. I reset my preferences to make sure it didn't have to do with metering prefs, it did not fix anything. Does this have anything to do with the interface?

Hi welcome to DUC, we need clearer info to really help you.

None of your meters... what exact meters are you looking at? We can't guess. Pro Tools meters? What type of Pro Tools meters, with what settings?

-20dB what? I assume you mean -20 dbFS?

Is the input clip indicator on the interface lighting up?

Are the Pro Tools meters in pre or post fader mode? (this may well be the cause of your confusion, a common beginner mistake).

You should be metering in Pro Tools in pre-fader mode aiming for something like -20dBFS as a starting point. Adjusting mic preamp gain and mic placement to achieve this--not the input track fader.

Any more questions please tell us what you are doing: what exactly are you recording with what exact mic, placed where and what are the input gain, pad, etc. set to? What exact wiring/connectors from the Mic to what exact input connector.

[The Weed]

As Darryl said, put the Record Track in Pre Fader Metering so you can see the level of the signal coming into Pro Tools. Also, remember that the Record Track Fader will NOT change the level of the signal coming into Pro Tools, that signal level must be controlled at the source. The only thing the fader will change is the level going out of Pro Tools.

[Drew Mazurek]

impedance mismatch.

[albee1952]

Its also possible that the clipping is in the mic itself. If the mic has a pad switch, turn that on