Optimal recording levels for Pro Tools?

[QuikDraw]

Always record using "Pre Fader Metering" found in the PT "Operations" menu. This allows you to use the PT meters to see the actual signal level being recorded.

Absolutely NEVER allow the red clip indicators to come on when you're recording. You should record hot, but not so hot as to be in danger of clipping. Your hottest peaks should probably never get any closer than 3dB of full scale. 6dB or more is probably better. Leave yourself some headroom.

Have the player play while you adjust the levels. Tell him/her to play/sing extra loud while you're setting the levels. Adjust so that that clip indicator never lights. Then pull it down just a little bit more to be safe. Musicians always seem to find a louder note than what they told you was their loudest! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Better to be a little on the conservative side with the levels than to allow clipping!

Mike

[Michael Klinger]

in this exact forum there is a thread with 236 posts and growing on this issue, look below (or above this)

http://duc.d igidesign.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=005504

-mike

[Corey Shay]

No information indeed!

[NY909]

Zep, I always record at +1db and my **** sounds hot. I think I have a hardware problem though cause I always hear alot of noise that hurts my ears. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

[Zep Dude]

Could someone please tell me the best levels to record into Pro Tools? There doesn't seem to be any information on this.

[Renie]

Zep Dude
Very funny!!!!!
Where's Mike Tholen???

[joy4u]

for no distortion and no noise record at - infinite.

[Mike Tholen]

I set my converter to be at -14dBFS while feeding it a 0dBVU signal.
then I observe 0dBVU. Period. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

[Kev]

That would leave you with 14dB of head room?

[Guy Staley]

I'm confused... [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]