How to gain stage your mic pre and interface

it took me way too long to figure this out on my own. if i had read this starting out i wouldve prevented my recordings from clipping in cubase a lot earlier. i downloaded a meter once i figured out that wave in was what controlled the input level, but i didn't like it that much due to its inability to run at the same time as cubase and for some reason i had a feeling like its inaccurate with where it says it clips.

i'm installing this meter once i get back on that computer to record. thanks for the link!
 
datboysc said:
When I have the meter set with -18db button pressed in and the switch on peak I'm going way over 0dB on the VU meter and I'm not screaming. I notice when I press the -15dB button I'm getting close to 0dB on the VU meter but never over.

Now note on my preamp my gain is at 18 dB and I have a little impedance added. I'm doing this with a little compression going in also just to gate out some noise I don't have foam up and all that other stuff like bass traps.

So my question is does it matter what button is pressed in on the meter calibration as long as you not going over 0dB on the VU meter in the BF Meter Bridge.
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Gain stage your pre with the comp and gate bypassed, then engage them while tracking.

The whole purpose of gain staging is to run your pre at optimum levels. Turn down your pre and progress upward till you you're running good. -15db might be okay, but if you're recording 24bit, you can afford to turn things down and calibrate to -18db.
 
datboysc said:
So basically every audio track should have the BF Meter Bridge as an insert, isn't that a lot of processing?
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You don't have to add it as an insert on every track. You just need to set it up once per verse and that's it. I just add an AUX track, not a buss, for monitoring. You just gotta mute the AUX track when your recording or you will hear it also. But every time you need to check your levels just use the AUX channel.
 
Morning_Star said:
This is a quick run down of setting up your mic and mic pre to properly work with your interface to get the highest quality and best recording. I'm posting this because I see so many problems with this.

If you are using Sonar, Cubase, Nuendo, Reaper or FL Studio to record vocals first go here and download PSP vintage meter. There is even a AU version for mac.

http://www.pspaudioware.com/plugins/vmeter.html

If you are using ProTools then you can use the stock BF Meter Bridge.

Now load up your recording software and create a new audio track to record to. Make sure the gain on your mic pre is turned all the way down. (Remember that if you are using an external mic pre that the output needs to go to line in of the audio interface and not the mic input.)

Next make sure that the fader for your channel for recording vocals is at 0db. Now load the PSP Vintage Meter in the first slot. (BF Meter Bridge if using ProTools). Now click on the PSP logo on the plug-in to view the back. Make sure you change the 0vu refer level to -18dbFS. Now click the label to view the front again and make sure that the meter is on VU with the switch in the middle.

(for protools make sure the meter is set with the -18db button pressed in and the switch on peak)

Now while doing a mic check raise the gain knob of the mic pre until the PSP vintage meter reads close to 0db but never over. (BF Meter Bridge for ProTools) Leave it there for your vocal recording. If you change vocalist adjust the gain on the mic pre until you get the same signal in the meter. Enjoy clean vocals. If using a compressor make sure it's bypassed for this tutorial.
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Dude, thanks for this. It's like you knew exactly what crossroad I was at LOL. How do you like the new bootsy plugin btw? The nasty vcs joint.
 
outside the █;48866232 said:
Dude, thanks for this. It's like you knew exactly what crossroad I was at LOL. How do you like the new bootsy plugin btw? The nasty vcs joint.
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It's cool. Especially the phase alignment. I haven't had enough experience with it though.
 
Is it a good idea to follow this advice when recording guitar as well (acoustic, electric, bass)?
 
Cool. I just wasn't sure as you mentioned vocals so thought maybe guitar wasn't the same. Cheers.
 
This thread really helped me out a lot, Morning Star u alwayz have the best input on recording techniques, this is about the fourth or fifth one I've tried from you and they all have solved my problems, keep it up mane, I don't know wut I would do without u [no homo, lol], thanx bro.
 
Morning...which exact model of ART Tube Pre-Amp is it that you recommend? There are several versions with slight letter variations...
 
hey morning star, i trying download it from the link you just posted up. I tried downloading both MAC links, but it never proceeds from the "installing' screen. it just stays stuck right there. I using MAC OS X. anyone else have this problem?

---------- Post added at 12:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:28 AM ----------

Okay so i waited a little longer and it actually just took a while to load. But now i don't know how to open this in Logic? I clicked the PLUG IN button, looked under Audio Units, and I can't find the PSP there. Anyone know wussup?
 
Damn every VST to AU i download isn't working. I think it doesn't work on Intel Macs. That's a big bummer! Thanks Morning Star for the help tho. Do you think I can just use the VU meters on the "Tube MP Studio". I'm thinking about picking one up...because i dont have a preamp...just a M-Audio FAST Track.
 
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