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ONE by APOGEE – User’s Guide
Working With ONE
In this section you’ll nd answers to questions that might arise while
using ONE as part of a Mac-based recording system.
How do I set a recording level?
Once your microphone or instrument is connected, your audio
software is congured and you’ve created a new recording track,
just how do you set the input gain for a proper recording level in your
audio software? There’s no simple answer, but with a few guidelines
and a bit of experience, you’ll master this.
Ideally, the input gain should be set so that when the input signal is
at its loudest, the level in audio software (or in Maestro) is just below
maximum without lighting the Over indicator.
In reality, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to guess just the right gain
setting to accomplish this - when your gain is too low, the signal
never gets close to maximum and when your gain is too high, a
digital Over may occur. Now, with a 24-bit system (such as ONE),
the noise oor is so low that there’s no real penalty for undershooting
the gain setting and recording at a lower level. There IS a penalty
for overshooting the gain setting - a digital Over that results in
signicantly increased distortion. Thus, it’s better to work with a
recording level that’s a bit too low than a level that’s a bit too high.
Just how much to undershoot the gain setting is determined by the
nature of the sound being recorded. As a general rule, instruments
such as bass and organ have a more consistent level than
percussive instruments, such as a tamborine, and may be recorded
at a higher level. Also, the performer’s skill and playing style can
dictate more or less caution when setting levels. As you gain
experience, you’ll be able to more accurately set a good recording
level while avoiding digital overs.
How do I set my software’s I/O buer?
The I/O Buffer setting found in most audio software is one of the
most crucial, but often ignored, settings in a Mac-based recording
system.
When choosing a buffer setting, a compromise between the latency
through the application and the amount of computer processor
power accessible to the application must be made. A lower buffer
setting results in lower latency but less available processing power.
If the application can’t access enough processor power, processor
overruns may occur, resulting in audible clicks and pops or error
messages that interrupt playback and recording.
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