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What volume should my mic be when recording?
Speak into the microphone at the same volume and distance you will use when recording. While you are speaking, watch the Input Level for the microphone. The input level should reach about two-thirds of the way to the top. Take note if the volume needs to be raised or lowered.
What should I set my mic gain at?
Line level is often thought of as being around 1,000 times stronger than mic level. We need gain to boost these mic level signals up to line level so that they are compatible with other professional audio equipment. From our general nominal values noted above, a 44 dB to 64 dB gain boost would do the trick.
What’s the best way to set audio levels?
If this is the case with your audio interface there is a simple way to properly set your levels. Push your input source signal until it shows clipping, then back off the input about 6 db. From there just make sure your meter never turns red even at the loudest points in your audio source.
What should the volume be on a recording?
You could comfortably allow the signal to reach 0VU. Because even at 0VU, there was still a lot of headroom left to accommodate an unexpected spike in volume at the recording source. With digital recording however, if you reach 0dBFS, there’s no headroom available. So recording just beneath the level of clipping becomes risky.
It should also be noted that film distributors and TV broadcasters often have their own standards for audio levels, so you should absolutely consult with them before setting your audio levels. In NTSC countries, for example, peak audio levels must not exceed -10db with occasional -8db spikes, whereas PAL countries must not exceed -9db.
What’s the best sound level for a speaker?
Sound Effects: -10db to -20db with occasional spikes up to -8db. These recommendations are a little on the quiet side when compared to some industry experts, but I find it much better for an audience to turn up the volume than run the risk of peaking or distortion.