Helpful ReplyGuitar Recording Levels

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
noah0912
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 15
  • Joined: 2009/11/02 16:34:24
  • Status: offline
2010/08/05 17:05:59 (permalink)

Guitar Recording Levels

I am trying to figure out how to get a good recording level. I am using a Line6 X3 Live direct into a Motu 8pre. I am using a Creation Station XT Rack running Cakewalk 7 (Soon to be 8.5)
 
The problem is that I have been unable to find the right balance between the outgoing levels from the Line6, the input level on the 8Pre, and the track level in the DAW.
 
When I set the X3's Tone level and the Master output levels at about 80% as well as on the 8Pre, the DAW input level is steadily in the red yet the 8pre dosen't appear to be clipping.
 
Is there a rule of thumb for how hot the input level should read in the DAW?
 
PS: I am only using the left XLR out from the X3. Should I be using left and right?
Thanks!

Cakewalk 8.5
Creation Station XT Rack
Motu 8Pre
#1
List Solutions Only

4 Replies Related Threads
    Kalle Rantaaho
    Max Output Level: -5 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 7005
    • Joined: 2006/01/09 13:07:59
    • Location: Finland
    • Status: offline
    Re:Guitar Recording Levels 2010/08/05 17:48:21 (permalink) ☄ Helpful
    The main thing is the input level is only determined by the hardware. Sonar has nothing to do with it.

    If you are working with 24 bits you don't need to record hot. Between -10 and -20 dB is good.

    SONAR PE 8.5.3, Asus P5B, 2,4 Ghz Dual Core, 4 Gb RAM, GF 7300, EMU 1820, Bluetube Pre  -  Kontakt4, Ozone, Addictive Drums, PSP Mixpack2, Melda Creative Pack, Melodyne Plugin etc.
    The benefit of being a middle aged amateur is the low number of years of frustration ahead of you.
    #2
    Bristol_Jonesey
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 16775
    • Joined: 2007/10/08 15:41:17
    • Location: Bristol, UK
    • Status: offline
    Re:Guitar Recording Levels 2010/08/06 03:32:33 (permalink) ☄ Helpful
    It all depends on what sort of signal processing you're using inside the X3.

    Are you using stereo Fx such as delay, chorus, reverb etc?

    If so then you'll need to capture both sides of the stereo signal and connect both XLR's

    On the other hand, if it's basically a mono chain Guitar > Amp Sim > Stomp Fx > Cab etc, then you're ok just using the left hand X3 outputs.

    CbB, Platinum, 64 bit throughout
    Custom built i7 3930, 32Gb RAM, 2 x 1Tb Internal HDD, 1 x 1TB system SSD (Win 7), 1 x 500Gb system SSD (Win 10), 2 x 1Tb External HDD's, Dual boot Win 7 & Win 10 64 Bit, Saffire Pro 26, ISA One, Adam P11A,
    #3
    noah0912
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 15
    • Joined: 2009/11/02 16:34:24
    • Status: offline
    Re:Guitar Recording Levels 2010/08/14 14:54:46 (permalink)
    I am not using any effects but recording left and right channels sounds like something  would like to try.

    Cakewalk 8.5
    Creation Station XT Rack
    Motu 8Pre
    #4
    Guitarhacker
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 24398
    • Joined: 2007/12/07 12:51:18
    • Location: NC
    • Status: offline
    Re:Guitar Recording Levels 2010/08/14 14:58:28 (permalink)
    Kalle makes a point...record it clean, low noise, and you can always increase the levels later.

    My website & music: www.herbhartley.com

    MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW   
    Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface


    BMI/NSAI

    "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer " 
    #5
    Jump to:
    © 2024 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1