Quote:
Originally Posted by mister-newb  I've heard that it's best to track at - 18dbfs. Does this mean that in my recording software, which is Sonar, I bring down the fader to - 18? |
In the analog domain the pro reference level is + 4dB.
AD converters might have their reference level at + 20dB (for good reasons!)
So if you track with an average level around 0dB on an analog VU of your pre, compressor, console or whatever, it will be around - 16dB in your DAW. If you have no VU on your preamp and your ADDA reference level is at 20dB, -16dB average relates to your 0db VU – meaning you won't drive your analog chain to hot.
BTW this belongs also for DA conversion which gives designers of analog gear often big headaches, because people drive their DAs so hot that they actually overdrive the analog device. On the other hand designers have to take care of those guys working in the analog world with a reference level at 4dB. So my advice for DA: Don't drive it to hot! what comes in (-16DB) goes out the same way and will end at 0dB VU.
This is gainstaging btw. So first I'd check which reference level your ADDA is calibrated to.
Hope it helps abit :-)
Andreas