8.0

MixConsole
Input Levels
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Input Levels
When recording digital sound, it is important to set the input levels high enough to
ensure low noise and high audio quality. At the same time, you must avoid clipping
(digital distortion).
Setting Input Levels
PROCEDURE
1. Click Filter Channel Types and activate Input Channels.
In this mode, the input channel level meters show the level of the signal at the input
of the bus, before any adjustments, such as input gain, EQ, effects, level, or pan are
made. This allows you to check the level of the unprocessed signal coming into the
audio hardware.
2. Select Functions > Global Meter Settings > Meter Position and activate
Input.
3. Play back the audio and check the level meter for the input channel.
The signal should be as loud as possible without exceeding 0 dB that is the clipping
indicator for the input bus should not light up.
4. If necessary, adjust the input level in one of the following ways:
• Adjust the output level of the sound source or the external mixer.
• If possible, use the audio hardware’s own application program to set the input
levels. See the documentation for the audio hardware.
• If your audio hardware supports the ASIO control panel function, it may be
possible to make input level settings. To open the ASIO control panel, select
Devices > Device Setup and in the list to the left (below VST Audio System),
select your audio card. When this is selected, you can open the control panel
by clicking the Control Panel button in the settings section to the right.
5. Optional: Select Functions > Global Meter Settings > Meter Position and
activate Post-Fader.
NOTE
This allows you to check the level of the audio being written to a file on your hard disk
which is only necessary if you make any adjustments to the input channel.
6. In the Channel Racks section, in the Inserts rack, click a slot and select an
effect, or in the Equalizers rack, make your EQ settings.
For some effects you may want to adjust the level of the signal going into the effect.
Use the input gain function for this. Press [Shift] or [Alt]/[Option] to adjust the input
gain.
7. Play back the audio and check the level meter of the input channel.
The signal should be reasonably loud without exceeding 0 dB that is the clipping
indicator for the input bus should not light up.
8. If necessary, use the input channel fader to adjust the signal level.