Recording levels / Individual track levels before mixing.

Discussion in 'Mixing and Mastering' started by rootwits, Mar 17, 2017.

  1. rootwits

    rootwits Producer

    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2016
    Messages:
    114
    Likes Received:
    124
    Location:
    I'm Right Behind You
    Hello guys,

    I would like to know at what level do you guys record your tracks / set your tracks before you start the mix.
    I have researched this topic on the web, and found some good information, but i would like to know how you guys are doing this.

    Here is what i found:
    1. Analog hardware works at a standard nominal level, that level is +4dBu, where +4dBu = 0 VU = 1.228V.

    2. In the digital domain you have to translate that in dBFS (Decibels relative to full scale):

    +4dBu = 0 VU = Your converter's calibration (ex: -18 dBFS).

    Every converter is calibrated differently, most of them are calibrated between -16 dBFS and -20 dBFS, i use -18 dBFS because it's in the middle of that.
    Note: Keep in mind that VU is a avarage measurement.

    Here are some tutorials, if you want to find out your converter's calibration:




    Here is how i'm using this:

    I use Klanghelm VUMT plugin as my VU (Volume unit) and PPM (Peak programme meter) meter.
    Similar plugins: PSP Triple Meter, zPlane PPMulator XL.

    I open 2 instances of VUMT on the master channel (solo each track when ajusting level's):

    1. First one i set it to type EBU (PPM) and a calibration of -12 ( Test = -12 dBFS).
    2. Second one i set it to type VU and a calibration of -18 (0 VU = -18 dBFS)
    3. If i'm recording i set my preamp level so it hit's the calibration on the plugins.
    4. If i'm mixing i will ajust the volume of each item so it hit's the calibration on the plugins.

    [​IMG]

    Why do i use a PPM meter?

    Not all audio material can be set 0 VU = -18 dBFS, for example kick's, snare's... percution (fast transient material won't register on the VU meter, or register very low like -10) will clip if you try to set it to 0 VU = -18 dBFS. So i have tested some audio material like vocals, bass, guitar..., ajusted there level so 0 VU = -18 dBFS and found that most of them are peaking at around -12 dBFS (+ or - 2 dB), that is what i use for fast transient material.

    Why should you care about audio level's before mixing?

    Analog modeled plugins are calibrated to -18 dBFS (avarage level), and sound better with proper audio level going into them.

    Example: Waves CLA-76:

    About the Modeling:
    Many different elements contribute to the unique sonic behavior of analog gear. Waves painstakingly modeled and incorporated the characteristics of the hardware into the CLA-76, in order to fully capture and replicate the sound and performance of the original equipment. The hardware was modeled at reference levels of –18 dBFS = +4 dBu, meaning that a signal of -18 dBFS from the DAW to the hardware unit will display a meter reading of 0 VU (+4 dBu).

    View manual: http://www.waves.com/1lib/pdf/plugins/cla-76-compressor-limiter.pdf

    Hope you guys like my post, and please share your opinion. :)
     
    Last edited: Mar 21, 2017
    • Like Like x 2
    • Interesting Interesting x 1
    • Useful Useful x 1
    • List
  2.  
  3. digitaldragon

    digitaldragon Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Messages:
    1,256
    Likes Received:
    1,063
    This answers a few questions I had in my post earlier this week asking about levels. Really informative! :bow:
     
  4. korte1975

    korte1975 Guest

    i drop in a mixtool as first insert in daw and dial in a good -10db so i can drive my comressors/tape sims harder
     
Loading...
Similar Threads - Recording levels Individual Forum Date
HSS Guitar audio levels for recording Mixing and Mastering Nov 4, 2021
Recording with non-standard Playrate Reaper Mar 1, 2024
Advice for stereo recording acoustic guitars Working with Sound Feb 5, 2024
A VST sampler with recording audio? Samplers, Synthesizers Jan 17, 2024
Recording output from vst track to audio Cubase / Nuendo Dec 9, 2023
Loading...