setting recording levels DP

[chancellor]

Is there a way to adjust the incoming recording level in D.P.? Not just the monitor level, but the actual recording level? I've been pouring over the manual, and I cannot figure this out. I'm coming in from the line input from the 828mkII.

Thx,
Ken

[builder]

Turn the source down.....

DP just records what you put in it.

[Newsles]

Well, there ARE other things you can do to be fair!

For a start, if your source is running too hot (OK you COULD turn it down at source, but assuming this isnt possible for some reason), then sending via an aux with the Trim plug-in, and then to a voice track, would be one option. Although it provides gain, it can of course be used to turn an input source down, AND it's metering is very accurate (im told!).

If it's a case of transients causing clipping then a small amount of limiting (with a limiter plug-in on the aux instead) could help that.

Just a thought!

To be honest tho, I find most of my levels need boosting not cutting for some reason. Ive checked my overall outboard gain structure and made adjustments but there's so much headroom on digital systems (to which Im fairly new to be honest) that they mostly need a boost.

I could normalise all my soundbites after recording but I dont think that should have to be the long-term solution.

Anyway, slight divergance on the topic here, but that's my input (no pun intended )

[builder]

I shouldn't have to say this, but once you clip the signal BEFORE your converters your done, the wave has already been cut off. The trim plug will do nothing but lower the clipped signal.

I use a Sytek preamp a lot for drums, which doesn't have a Pad Attenator on it. Depending on the mic I use, sometimes the singal is too hot even with the gain all the way done. So I bought some Shure -20db line pads to put in between the output of the preamp and the input of my 828mkii. This helps tame the souce before it hits the converts.

Again, turn down your source.

PS. Do a search on Normalizing, you might change your mind.

[Newsles]

Point taken Builder - if it's clipping then of course, but if it's just a case of using bags of the digital headroom and you want a bit more of a reasonable level then Trim WOULD do the job of course.

Cheers

[builder]

I guess my point is if it is already in DP, recording through an aux into the Trim plug in would be the same as recoding the signal, then bouncing it with the plugin inserted.

[Jim]

Is there a way to adjust the incoming recording level in D.P.? Not just the monitor level, but the actual recording level? I've been pouring over the manual, and I cannot figure this out. I'm coming in from the line input from the 828mkII.

Thx,
Ken

Either control level from the instrument itself, or insert a mixer, compressor, limiter or preamp, etc. between the instrument and the interface.

[giles117]

I guess my point is if it is already in DP, recording through an aux into the Trim plug in would be the same as recoding the signal, then bouncing it with the plugin inserted.

Of course this would be purposeless if the signal was already clipped upon the original recording process.

[builder]

I guess my point is if it is already in DP, recording through an aux into the Trim plug in would be the same as recoding the signal, then bouncing it with the plugin inserted.

Of course this would be purposeless if the signal was already clipped upon the original recording process.

Exactly......

[Newsles]

I agree with the above, but as I said, as long as it's not clipping and causing digital distortion then it would work. Sorry if Ive confused matters!!!