Recording & Mixing

Gain Staging - Episode 3

Jul 12, 2023
Explore the world of gain staging as a sound engineer discusses the integral role of preamps in achieving clarity and optimal recording levels. Discover how VU meters can help maintain balance, making mixing smoother. Dive into techniques that merge traditional analogue methods with modern digital workflows to ensure frequency balance. Learn why establishing clear levels for each track can streamline the mixing process, setting you up for audio production success!
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ADVICE

Set Preamp Gain Correctly

  • During sound check, raise your preamp gain until the DAW meter reads around -18 dBFS, peaking at -12 or -10 dBFS.
  • This ensures a strong signal above noise floor with plenty of headroom for peak levels.
INSIGHT

Valve Preamps Add Warmth

  • Valve preamps provide adjustable warmth by varying gain and output levels.
  • Setting gain high and output low adds warmth, while low gain and high output yield cleaner sound.
ANECDOTE

Vocal Warmth Demo at Abbey Road

  • David Mellor demonstrated a vocal recording with low gain/high output then high gain/low output on a valve preamp.
  • The high gain setting added a thickened, warm character not achieved by clean recording.
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