How do I fix Low Live Recording Volume?

[jonshin]

I've been recording with my new H4n and the volume of the recordings are really low.

I have to crank the volume of my system to get a decent output.

I set my gain levels to about 7or 8 with 9 peak - any higher and it would be distorted.

Do I do post processing to fix this or am I doing something wrong at capture?

Thanks!

[gurubuzz]

If your comparing to commercially released Cds - Yes, your level, with no processing, will be much lower.

In a live situation you are making sure that the peak doesn't clip.

The peaks are very short and even though the meters say they are high they don't appear loud.

The RMS (average) level is way lower than the peaks in a dry live situation.

Don't worry about low levels just compress and limit the file and it will be a lot louder. You may also want to automate the level "PRE" the compressor and limiter.

If your levels are ridiculously low, say, floating in hiss, you do have a problem.

[steveschizoid]

Can you meter as you record, or are you just setting the input gain conservatively to avoid clipping? Also, what sample rate and word length can the H4n utilize? Does the manual give you an ideal level to shoot for? In a 24 bit world there is no reason to record as hot as possible, and with most mic preamps, perfectly good reasons to not track overly hot. If it's 16 bit that probably will give you a narrower window of optimal levels. Raising the volume later is never a problem. I would read the manual though and see if it offers any suggestions as to an optimal recording level.

[husky band]

If it is like my H2 there is a setting in the menu for mic sensitivity like low-med-hi. It is probably set to Low, I know my H2 was out of the box. Try setting it to med or Hi.

Hope this helps.

[Remoteness]

Wait a minute - we already have one...


Come on people; we have had a live recording forum for over seven years to date.
Please consider using it - it will make your day a lot more enjoyable.
I promise!

[chris319]

In a 24 bit world there is no reason to record as hot as possible, and with most mic preamps, perfectly good reasons to not track overly hot.

What he said.