calibrating audio equipment
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Posted on Apr 10, 2008 07:23 am
Resident Jester
Member Since: Apr 06, 2008
I read this article ( www.homestudioguide.com/H...dingLevels.aspx )
And i am confused about how to calibrate my levels... I have the equipment to do it, but i am not sure how this works...i set it up as instructed, right to the point where my m-box 2 does not clips, But then the signal is way to hot to go into my computer...So what am i doing wrong or what do i need to do...Also if you set up your mbox to not clip with a low level signal at 1khz, when you sing aren't you way louder so it will then clip...so confused.
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zekthedeadcowEat Spam before it eats YOU!!!Member
Since: May 11, 2002
Apr 10, 2008 09:31 am that link isn't loading for me... but yeah... usin a 1K tone to se mic levels is crap.
1K tone is used to calibrate a master for broadcast so a station can determine the directors intent of how loud it should be... and to prevent the broadcast signal from exceeding the maximum volume.
Apr 10, 2008 12:56 pm Deleted By hueseph
Apr 10, 2008 02:13 pm OKAY! I just read that site again and I have to agree with zekthedeadcow. Setting preamp levels via a 1kHz tone is kind of ludicrous.
It is true that analogue vu and the pseudo led meter in your DAW will function differently but, that is what ears are for. Set the gain by the trim pot. That's the way it's always been. Why should it change?
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Apr 10, 2008 03:06 pm Isn't this really a lot simpler? My understanding of this is that 0dB analog is equal to -18dB digital. (In a pro studio anyways). That is why you have to watch out for analog gear clipping your digital gear. If you were to use your VU meters on analog gear and cranked the gain until they read 0 on the meter. You would clip on a digital scale. You gotta back off the gain on analog to avoid clipping.
Apr 10, 2008 04:16 pm So as long as i am set up and not clipping i am good? There si no magic number...like ok now you are calibrated? Thanks for the help
Apr 10, 2008 04:18 pm If it sounds good, you're fine.
zekthedeadcowEat Spam before it eats YOU!!!Member
Since: May 11, 2002
Apr 10, 2008 08:53 pm The only thing I would calibrate is the monitors...
running pink noise through them which is picked up by a measurement mic... which runs into a spectral analyzer... then adjusting the EQ of the monitors until it's flat...
Apr 11, 2008 12:35 am [quote]
running pink noise through them which is picked up by a measurement mic... which runs into a spectral analyzer... then adjusting the EQ of the monitors until it's flat...[/quote]
I used to think this was a smart idea as well but the fact of the matter is that eqing monitors should not be an option. Even using a graphic or parametric eq in the main outs or master section fo "fix" problems that are inherent in the room would be bad. EQ can affect phase. What is better advice is to adjust your room. Run the pink noise with an analyzer look for problem areas and apply absorption or defusion. Run the pink noise again and adjust. You should always try to keep your monitors as flat as possible. Even if the room is not treated. Learn the monitors and how to work with them.
Apr 11, 2008 07:12 am how would you know what parts of the room are causing the problem? Also, how do you " learn" you monitors? Just play music that you are familar with and now how your monitors affect that? Thanks
