Multitrack Recording Applications; Recording; Setting Levels - Alesis Studio 32 Reference Manual

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A

Recording

Setting Levels

Your job as operator is to set the audio levels in order to ensure the cleanest signal
with the least amount of background noise (hiss or hum). To do this, it's important
to set proper levels not only within the Studio 32 itself, but throughout the entire
audio system. Here are some procedures to follow when you're operating the Studio
32 to achieve a gain structure (the signal level within each part of the system) that
will give you professional results.
Maintain Proper TRIM and Input Levels
To set proper input levels on either a mic or line level signal:
1 With the mic or line level signal flowing through the Channel, depress the
Channel's SOLO button. If there are any volume controls on the instrument
itself, they should be set to maximum.
2 Set the SOLO SIP/PFL switch to PFL (the MASTER SOLO LED will turn red).
It doesn't matter if the channel fader is up or assigned to anything at this point.
3 Observe the level on the MASTER LED Meter. Adjust the TRIM knob until the
signal is above 0 (the top green LED) but below the yellow LED (labeled +10).
It's OK if the top yellow lights during the loudest peaks, but if you ever see the
CHANNEL PEAK LED flash, you are within 5 dB of signal overload. Turn
down the TRIM knob until the PEAK LED stops flashing.
Note: There is no TRIM control for the TAPE IN jack, because it is designed to
handle the full range of inputs generated by modern tape recorders.
Maintain Proper Fader Levels
In typical operation, the Channel, Group and Master FADERS should be run at
about the "0 dB" or "nominal" position. NOTE: that's about 2/3 of the way up the
channel fader travel, but all the way up on the Group and L/R faders. This position
gives the best balance between maintaining adequate headroom and lowest noise.
It also allows for any additional increase or decrease in level that might be
required during mixing. Ultimately, the channel fader levels are dependent on the
requirements of the mix; the nominal level is only a starting point.
Studio 32 Reference Manual
C
HAPTER
ULTITRACK
R
ECORDING
PPLICATIONS
5:
Recording
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