View Single Post
Old 05-24-2019, 07:19 PM   #1
talustalus
Human being with feelings
 
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,025
Default Recording levels into preamp, the -18dBFS myth?

Hi

I have read from various sources that when recording into outboard preamp gear, you should aim to get the level around -18dBFS based on the VU metering system of yesteryear (where, -18dBFS = 0dBVU).

I wonder what people here's thoughts on this are?

I'm trying to record vocals and I have to turn up my mic preamp gain trim way high to get my singing level to be around -18dBFS on average. The downside is that with the trim set high, I can hear the noise floor and it's off-putting.

I don't see why I can't just record quieter and then raise the level of the audio after the fact? -- I mean, I know I can do this, but is there any engineering reason why I should not?

Thanks.
talustalus is offline   Reply With Quote