Topic: Fundamental inputs/mixing levels question…

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
  • October 5, 2006 at 21:47 #1004
    swayzak
    Participant

    hi

    I’m trying to set up all the incoming levels of my HDSP card prior to their entry into Podium.

    For instance I’ve just set my guitar to be as hot as possible without digital clipping on feedback e.g. peak around -5dB, rms around -13 dB.

    My plugstation levels are less hot e.g. peak -10, rms -15

    Should I get hotter plugstation levels by boosting the Podium mixer level or should I cut the guitar level at source so they are more evenly matched before entering soundcard / Podium ?

    Does boosting levels in software add unwanted artifacts ?

    Logic suggests to me that you do everything you can to get the hottest level at source, then change levels in software (or soundcard input stage ?) as required.

    swayzak

    October 5, 2006 at 21:54 #7950
    Zynewave
    Keymaster

    Logic suggests to me that you do everything you can to get the hottest level at source, then change levels in software (or soundcard input stage ?) as required.

    Correct. Use the full range (to get the noise floor level of the converters as far away from the average signal level) and then reduce gain until you have eliminated overloading/clipping on peak inputs.

    October 5, 2006 at 22:06 #7951
    swayzak
    Participant

    Good.

    So what is the difference between peak & rms ?

    Is one more useful than the other ?

    I notice that the mixer levels in Podium seem to reflect peak…

    October 6, 2006 at 02:19 #7952
    Zynewave
    Keymaster

    So what is the difference between peak & rms ?

    I think google can answer that better than I can. Anybody got any good links about this?

    I notice that the mixer levels in Podium seem to reflect peak.

    Correct.

    October 6, 2006 at 06:33 #7953
    Technophobia
    Participant

    Hi Swayzak,

    Have a look at this Wikipedia definition:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programme_level

    Also try Sound On Sound:

    http://www.soundonsound.com/

    Have a good ‘un 8)

    October 6, 2006 at 06:42 #7954
    swayzak
    Participant

    Thanks again

    Seems I found both an explanation & very useful tool at the home of my soundcards…. http://www.rme-audio.com/english/techinfo/digich.htm

    And it seems that, overall, peak levels are better for the digital world…. http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1996_articles/may96/metering.html

    😀

    swayzak

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