Ref. Levels - camera to DAW

ergalthema · 12th February 2008

My background is mainly audio, but I now work as a video editor. I'm trying to fully understand the different reference levels and gain stages of the audio from a camera.

In our DV cameras, there are two reference levels. I assume that one, -50/60dB, is for the microphone preamp stage - and that the other, -12/20dB, is for the signal going to tape. Does that sound right?

If anyone can give a clear explanation of what these mean and how they relate to software like Final Cut, it would be much appreciated.

From what I understand, the reference level is related to the amount of headroom before clipping. How do these levels correspond to the audio meters on a camera? in Final Cut?

surflounge · 12th February 2008

You can post that question at
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Creative Planet's Digital Production BuZZ

12th February 2008	#1
ergalthema Gear nut Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 141 Thread Starter	Ref. Levels - camera to DAW My background is mainly audio, but I now work as a video editor. I'm trying to fully understand the different reference levels and gain stages of the audio from a camera. In our DV cameras, there are two reference levels. I assume that one, -50/60dB, is for the microphone preamp stage - and that the other, -12/20dB, is for the signal going to tape. Does that sound right? If anyone can give a clear explanation of what these mean and how they relate to software like Final Cut, it would be much appreciated. From what I understand, the reference level is related to the amount of headroom before clipping. How do these levels correspond to the audio meters on a camera? in Final Cut?

12th February 2008	#2
surflounge Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2006 Location: Cayucos California Posts: 1,248	You can post that question at Creative Planet's Digital Production BuZZ Creative Planet's Digital Production BuZZ __________________ BEACH NOISE entertainment

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