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To Check the Input Levels
1. In the Track view, choose the inputs for the tracks you want to record, and
arm the tracks for recording. Make sure that the Show/Hide All Meters button
at the top of the Track view is enabled.
2. The default meter range is from 0 dB to -60 dB. To change the range, right-
click on the meter and choose a new range from the menu.
3. Perform at the loudest level at which you plan to record.
Watch the meters respond. Increase the input volume as high as possible
without ever letting the meters move all the way to 0dB, even for an instant,
or letting the Clipping indicator turn red. If either of these things happen,
reduce the input volume just enough to avoid them during the entire
performance. Note that some kinds of audio, such as percussive or plucked
musical instruments, can produce very short, high-level “transients” when
struck or plucked aggressively, which can lead to clipping if the input volume
is set too high. Consider the possibility of these transients when examining
the meters and setting your record level.
Note: If the Clipping indicator is illuminated, click on it to reset.
Once you have set your sampling rate and input levels, you are ready to start
recording. If the meters do not move, check your sound card software’s mixer
program and make sure that you have the proper input enabled for recording.
When you record audio, SONAR stores each audio clip in a separate file. These
files have the same format as a Wave (.
WAV) file, but they have special names and
are stored in a separate directory on your hard disk. SONAR automatically
manages these audio files for you, making it easier for you to manage your
projects. If you want to work with these files directly, or to learn more about how
SONAR stores audio data, see “System Configuration” on page 628.
Tuning an Instrument
SONAR Chromatic Tuner analyzes any input signal from the sound card and
displays the intonation (in cents) on the meter. The tuner automatically
determines which string/pitch you are trying to tune, so that you can keep both
hands on the instrument while tuning. The VU Meter shows how loud your input
signal is–a strong signal is essential for accurate tuning.
The Tuner works just like an effect and each track can have its own instance.
With a microphone, you can also tune acoustic instruments.
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