Specifications

Recording

Studio 32 Reference Manual

Recording Tips

For the cleanest possible recording, the Group FADERS (or Channel FADERS if the

DIRECT OUTS are being used) should be adjusted so that the level going to tape

averages 0 VU on the meters of a typical analog multitrack tape machine, or peaks

just below MAX or 0 dBFS on a digital multitrack machine such as the Alesis

ADAT.

About Metering

The meters of the Studio 32 are the instantaneous peak reading type, which are

preferred in digital recording where the “ideal” recording level comes close to, but

never exceeds the point where all the bits are filled (called 0 dBfs, for full scale).

Note that “0 dB” on the Studio 32’s meters means that the output of the Studio 32 is

at “nominal” level (either +4 dBu balanced or -2 dBu unbalanced, depending on the

connector), as opposed to “0 dB” on a digital recorder like ADAT which means

“maximum” level (+19 dBu balanced, +5 dBV unbalanced) . Peaks well above the

“0 dB” level on the Studio 32’s meters should be common at normal operating levels

for almost all types of tape deck. Analog tape decks typically have between 10 and

13 dB of headroom above the nominal level, depending on the tape type and any

noise reduction being used, and ADAT has 15 dB of headroom above nominal. Other

digital decks have anywhere from 12 to 20 dB of headroom.

Meters of the tape deck will not necessarily match those of the Studio 32 on

dynamic program material. With typical metering, analog VU meters may only

read 0 dB, even though the Studio 32’s peak meters are reading levels between +5

and +10. However, a steady-state tone (such as that from the built-in oscillator)

will read 0 dB on both the Studio 32 and most VU meters. Readings on combined

peak/VU meters, such as those found on semiprofessional multitracks, will vary.

Take the time to learn the relationship between the Studio 32’s meters and your

deck’s meters, using both steady-state tones and dynamic material.

If signal peaks cause the record meter to vary by more than 10 dB, a limiter or

compressor such as the Alesis 3630 Stereo Compressor may be used on that channel

to even out the peaks. In general, things will sound better if the meters remain at

roughly the same level throughout the recording.

The two LED ladder meters of the Studio 32 will follow the Control Room source

switch and SOLO system. Pressing MONO or changing the Control Room Level

control will not affect the meters.