Tracking Question
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Posted on Jul 12, 2005 08:13 am
mwellborn
Member Since: Feb 11, 2005
When tracking, should I record each instrument at the highest possible volume without clipping out, or should I record it a bit lower and then bring it up in the mixdown process?
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vdalehubbardLost for words with all to say.Contributor
Since: Sep 12, 2003
Jul 12, 2005 08:20 am I normally do as loud as possible without clipping. BUT, take note the loudest that track will get and make sure have it go lower then that and never peaks. I don't want to take chances. Sometimes doing that, the track is low and I've had no problems raising it up during mixing.
Jul 12, 2005 12:15 pm yep basically to me all it does is affect your compressor threshold settings and that's about it.
Jul 12, 2005 05:17 pm Because we cant all afford HD systems, we try to record to the highest possible volume to gain the best signal to noise ratio.
Everything in your signal chain produces noise (mixer, cables, pre amps, A/d convertors etc.), and to minimize the noise in the signal, you have to get it as hot and loud as possible. = More signal, Less noise
If you raise a quiet signal in mixdown, you raise the noise floor with it. = Less Signal, More Noise
Simple really :)
Im sure even people with HD systems practice this to :P.
Jul 12, 2005 05:32 pm I always track everything fairly high and just use the regular sliders and usually, maximixers when needed.
I always keep it below the dreaded clip level tho so be careful of that...otherwise, record as hot as you can without clips and keep it clean and yer good to go.
Good luck to ye
Coco.
jmailjimmie neutronMember
Since: Feb 14, 2005
Jul 12, 2005 05:59 pm That's what I miss about tape. I didn't have to be quite so carefull. But then, now I don't have that shtinkin' tape "hiss"...
Jul 12, 2005 07:52 pm if you're tracking at 16 bit, then i'd say it's more important, but at 24 you can afford not tracking as loud as possible...i keep my meters out of the yellow (-12db) when trackin' at 24 bit.
RigsbyUltra MagnusMember
Since: Nov 13, 2004
Jul 14, 2005 03:52 am I'm with WYD, and i certainly notice the difference in headroom with 16bit.
Jul 14, 2005 09:50 am I appreciate the advice guys!
