I'm in the dark with the level meters

The level meters in the track inspector (when you hit 'I') and in the console view don't seem to be accurate. When I see the level going above 0, I lower the level and the peak level still goes above 0. I have to lower the level quite a bit before the peak goes below zero. Then as I gradually raise the level, the peak stays below 0, even when I raise the level past the level that originally peaked above 0. What gives man?

I have no way of telling whether my levels are going above 0. I guess I'll just rely on my ears :-(

Btw, I'm using X1 Studio, 64-bit, version D.

Are you testing by making multiple passes on the exact same content?


What's you latency? It's possible that you have a delay between when you move the slider and the effect of that movement may be heard.

I'd try multiple passes on the very same content at the different settings.

Also are you turning down the gain or the level? The level should be absolute but if you are turning down the gain then you may be effecting the gain staging in way that gives you the results you are observing. For example; if you have a delay with feedback the level will swell and it takes time to build up and present the full level so if you start and stop playback you'll see a big difference between the start and when it's running along.

Good luck.


best regards,
mike

CJaysMusic

I have no way of telling whether my levels are going above 0. I guess I'll just rely on my ears :-(

Sure you do! If i and everyone else can with the same Sonar, so can you. You just need a bit more understanding of your signal flow.
 
Tracks go to the master bus. Buses go to the master bus,The master goes to the sound card's main outs.
With this, you have at least 3 meters, the tracks, the master bus, buses and the main outs. All these have meters that you can read.
 
If the meters did not work, Sonar would be out of business and making peanut butter or something. 

  

Cj

LOL! I'm watching all the meters, on the tracks and busses. If the level goes above zero on any of them, e.g. to .4 on a buss, I lower the level a bit, and play back the offending passage -- still goes to .4. I lower it some more, still .4, then I lower it a lot, and then the level peaks way below 0. Next step: I pull my hair out.


I don't "record" per se. I'm doing all my work with VSTi's and VST's -- I don't even own a guitar :-)

Try hitting the letter O on your keyboard.

You may have offset mode on-