Working in your Digital Audio Studio
This chapter presents a variety of topics that, while not directly related to the
Symphony I/O system, are encountered when working in the modern digital studio.
Setting Levels
Understanding Latency
Before Recording
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Setting Levels
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How do I set a recording level?
Once your microphone or instrument is connected, your audio software is configured
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 can master setting a proper level.
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.
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Now, with a 24-bit system (such as Symphony I/O), the noise floor 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 significantly
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.
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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 tambourine, 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.
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How do I set the input level of my powered speakers?
Most powered speakers offer an input volume control, often labelled as input sensitivity.
Rather than describe an overly complicated method for setting this control, the easiest
way to determine the right setting is to note where you generally set Symphony I/O’s
output level. If you find yourself rarely turning the output past a very low output level
(say, -35 dB), decrease the input sensitivity on the speaker. If, on the other hand, you
find yourself setting Symphony I/O’s level for full output and the speakers aren’t loud
enough, increase the input sensitivity. Ideally, Symphony I/O’s Speaker output should
be at 0 dB (i.e no attenuation) when you’re listening at your absolute maximum desired
volume.
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