MOTU Ultralite help / questions

jsrockit · 28th November 2006

I am using a MOTU Ultralite FW AI. I was wondering what the optimum recording level for this box is? Should I go as close to 0db as possible when recording or record lower say -8 to -12db (so I don't overdrive the Converters)? People have told me reasons why I should do both. I'm recording in Logic and in Peak at 24bit. The meters in these programs do not seem accurate? How can I get an accurate reading so I can record as loud as possible and not clip? Also, the MOTU has balanced inputs...but alot of my gear is unbalanced ie synths, drum machines, etc... does this matter?

Thanks.

feyshay · 28th November 2006

Using 24 bit, -12dB is good. Whoever told you that you need to get just under 0dB is wrong on that one.
For converting from unbalanced to balanced, you could look at getting a passive DI for those synths (like a Radial JDI).
You might want to look at your meters in your MOTU cuemix. I have a Traveler, and use cuemix or simply look at the meters. Good thing with 24bit is that you have plenty of room between -24dB and 0dB.
Your meters should be accurate within Logic, I would think.

jsrockit · 28th November 2006

Can you explain why I should record at -12db when using 24 bit?

feyshay · 29th November 2006

http://gearslutz.com/board/showthrea...4+bit+headroom

Too complicated to explain at this time. Check out this thread on digital reference levels.
The explanation has to do with bits and dB. Mathematical stuff. I read it. I understood it. I wouldn't want to try to explain it. It'll be in any basic textbook on sound engineering, computer recording.
Have fun researching it. I find all that stuff interesting.

jsrockit · 29th November 2006

What's the difference between db and dbfs?

jsrockit · 30th November 2006

Anyone?

Lawrence · 19th January 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsrockit

What's the difference between db and dbfs?

dbvu is an analog reference scale and dbfs (fs=full scale /db below full scale) is a digital reference scale that tops out at digial zero. In many cases 18 dbfs (-18 digital) would be equal to 0dbvu, depending on how the converters on your input device are calibrated.

28th November 2006	#1
jsrockit Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2005 Location: Jersey Posts: 1,185 Thread Starter	MOTU Ultralite help / questions I am using a MOTU Ultralite FW AI. I was wondering what the optimum recording level for this box is? Should I go as close to 0db as possible when recording or record lower say -8 to -12db (so I don't overdrive the Converters)? People have told me reasons why I should do both. I'm recording in Logic and in Peak at 24bit. The meters in these programs do not seem accurate? How can I get an accurate reading so I can record as loud as possible and not clip? Also, the MOTU has balanced inputs...but alot of my gear is unbalanced ie synths, drum machines, etc... does this matter? Thanks.

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28th November 2006	#2
feyshay Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,358	Using 24 bit, -12dB is good. Whoever told you that you need to get just under 0dB is wrong on that one. For converting from unbalanced to balanced, you could look at getting a passive DI for those synths (like a Radial JDI). You might want to look at your meters in your MOTU cuemix. I have a Traveler, and use cuemix or simply look at the meters. Good thing with 24bit is that you have plenty of room between -24dB and 0dB. Your meters should be accurate within Logic, I would think.

29th November 2006	#4
feyshay Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,358	http://gearslutz.com/board/showthrea...4+bit+headroom Too complicated to explain at this time. Check out this thread on digital reference levels. The explanation has to do with bits and dB. Mathematical stuff. I read it. I understood it. I wouldn't want to try to explain it. It'll be in any basic textbook on sound engineering, computer recording. Have fun researching it. I find all that stuff interesting.

30th November 2006	#6
jsrockit Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2005 Location: Jersey Posts: 1,185 Thread Starter	Anyone?