This tutorial will help you know what to do with the multitude of faders and knobs you have access to on your station and on the rack.
From Output:
- Next to every fader there are level markings describing the amount of attenuation (level reduction) you are applying to your audio signal.
- Set levels to Unity (U) all through the audio chain.
- Unity Gain is a method of calibrating the audio signal as it passes through multiple audio processing components. The audio level indicators should all read the same decibel (dB) level when passing a signal through the audio chain. This helps minimize the problems associated with low audio level (tape hiss, inaudible) and overmodulation (distortion, clipping).
- Input channels and subs on station mixer should be set at Unity.
- Station faders and subs on main rack should be set at Unity.
To input
- Be sure to set the input levels appropriately when recording. If the level is too high, the recording will clip. Digital clipping must be
avoided AT ALL COSTS! We mean it. Digital clipping is truly an awful thing, and if you ever are unfortunate enough to experience it
you will understand why.
- On every recording device there is a meter that measures your input and a dial that allows you to control it. The dial is
sometimes labeled "Rec level," "input," or something along those lines. Be careful -- sometimes there are two input knobs, one for left and one for right. Be sure to adjust both.
- The best way to monitor your recording is to plug a set of headphones into the recording device and listen to the piece in its
entirety and adjust the input level as you go, making sure it is loud enough, but not too loud. The level should never exceed 0 db on a digital device (MD, DAT) and should not sound distorted on an analog device (cassette deck).
Monitor the clipping indicator (end of level meter) to ensure proper recording.
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