Gain and Recording: Setting levels

Setting correct input levels to a mixer or recording equipment is of the utmost importance: too high and you get distortion, and too low, you attract noise, hum and other nasties that you won’t be able to get rid of.
Yes, modern equipment is better at rejecting noise, but it’s still a factor, especially if there are many channels, whose collective noise will add.
Here is a comparison between something recorded at a healthy level, and then too low, and you’ll hear the difference. Best to use headphones for this, or a good pair of speakers.
Enjoy and Share!
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[@buddhikachathuranga9202]

Amazing stuff! currently my trusty fav audio guru ..on youtube..More things to check on your channel.I believe that your experience could help us to improve what we love to learn.thank you! dan.Can you do a video about Dynamic range in analog and digital audio????

[@DanBakerMusic]

Hi there-I did a video about analog vs digital in terms of noise floor...

[@DanBakerMusic]

th-cam.com/video/DKIkc7Gka6k/w-d-xo.html

[@leottori692]

this is quite informative! By the way, what is a good starting point for input levels if I want to record lead vocal, and guitar?

[@Adunxrockinhoarse]

I’m not using a desk for input, just audio interface. Edirol 4fx. There is an input dial and an output dial set depending on vocal or instrument volumes.
I control input level in Cubase but not sure if this is the best.

[@DanBakerMusic]

The input level control on Cubase will be monitor level only-the audio interface is where you’d set the ideal gain level.

[@alexkiddie2022]

I use that same desk, only it is a 24 channel version.

[@alexkiddie2022]

I always start with all levels at Unity gain and slowly adjust from there. It just takes practice.

[@cbolt4492]

I can't get it right...... 😎