Attenuating levels while recording

[peter5992]

Good afternoon everyone:

Yesterday and last week, when I recorded VO, I noticed that when I recorded into two parallel mono tracks, one set to nominal and the other to -10dB (to prevent expectedly loud takes from clipping), both tracks were recorded at the same level, regardless of the levels I set in the mixer.

This happened on two different computer systems, so I don't think it's something peculiar to the way pro tools was set up (both PT 10 HD).

Is that normal (default) behavior? If so, what is the workaround, route the audio out of the first track to the second via a bus and then attenuate the send level?

Thanks!

[Vedat]

Originally Posted by peter5992

Is that normal (default) behavior?

Yes, it is normal.

route the audio out of the first track to the second via a bus and then attenuate the send level?

This will have no advantage cause the level would have been already clipped by the time it gets to the send.
You need to look at splitting your analog chain before it gets to PT.

[peter5992]

Many thanks for the feedback. I think I found a workaround which does not involve analog input splits, which is to send the signal to a track 1, and bus the signal from track 1 to track 2. When I set the output bus level from track to +10dB (or at least 10dB higher than track 2), it is recorded into track 2 at 10dB hotter. I then adjust both levels such that track 2 is the 'normal' level, while track 1 can record occasional peaks.

Does that make sense? It seems to work, looking at the levels.

Also, am I crazy or is this a bit funny? I would think that the volume slider attenuates the level being recorded into a track, isn't that the whole point when you are 'tracking' someone (dynamically adjusting the recorded level such that it doesn't either peak or is recorded too quietly)?

[EarHole]

But doing so doesn't help you anymore than just bringing up the volume afterwards. You might as well just record one medium safe level and adjust in the mix. I run a limiter on the way in to keep the hot spots in check a little.
Urie 1176.

[JKD99]

Pretty sure the only way to really do it would be to mult the signal to two separate preamp channels; once it hits the audio interface, if it clips, it clips.

[YYR123]

Am I missing something ? Compressor in the way in - ?? Squeeze the top !! Right - idk may e I missed something, it is late here

[peter5992]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. At this point I can't afford a hardware limiter (alas), guess I'll have to pay careful attention to the levels for now.

If anyone is in SF this week for the AES convention, send me a pm. I may not be able to afford expensive hardware but I can still buy you a beer.

[YYR123]

Nice

Compressors are cheap - check Craiglist and pawnshops - I got a stereo dbx for 60 bucks awhile back

The other day i got a Focusrite tone factory - for 100 off Craigslist - all the pots and buttons were scratchy - $13 can of junk for radio shack and the unit is in tip top shape !!! Makes the bass tracks really sound nice - compression and eq on the way in - million dollar difference

[YYR123]

Class A - Chanel strip

[originalscottyg]

Originally Posted by peter5992

Also, am I crazy or is this a bit funny? I would think that the volume slider attenuates the level being recorded into a track, isn't that the whole point when you are 'tracking' someone (dynamically adjusting the recorded level such that it doesn't either peak or is recorded too quietly)?

Even if it did work this way inside Pro Tools, it would still be after the A/D converters. ASSuming your converters are properly calibrated, anything that clips a track would be clipping the converters on the way in anyway.