Volume level on synth modules

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michaelrb
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2009/03/30 16:35:01 (permalink)

Volume level on synth modules

Should I set the output volume level that comes from my hardware synths as high as possible and let Sonar adjust the levels, or should I set the volumes on the synths differently?

Wanted to make sure sonar doesn't lose anything in terms of synth sound quality if volume isn't as high as possible.

Running Sonar X1, Vista Business x64, Intel i7 920, Delta44, usb midiman 4X4, 6 gb mem, midiman multimixer 6,Korg X5, E-mu Mophatt
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    ed97643
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    RE: Volume level on synth modules 2009/03/31 12:43:04 (permalink)
    I usually set the external synth modules volume as high as it will go without clipping the input device / preamp. That offers you the best signal to noise ratio. (Some externals can be hissy if the volume isn't up high. Believe it or not, I use a Yamaha TG33 ROMpler module from the mid 90s from time to time - it has a few patches that I like a lot - but the recording of those ROM samples were pretty hissy, unfortunately. Cranking up the output volume helps to cover it up.)

    Registered Cakewalk user since 1995
    #2
    Clydewinder
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    RE: Volume level on synth modules 2009/03/31 13:04:33 (permalink)
    Most synths just have an attenuator for a volume control so the cleanest signal is always at full volume.

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    Guitarhacker
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    RE: Volume level on synth modules 2009/03/31 17:59:41 (permalink)
    Yeah...hardware synths like guitars and other stuff... get the level as high as possible without distortion....

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    Bonzos Ghost
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    RE: Volume level on synth modules 2009/03/31 18:27:31 (permalink)
    I always have all my outboard synths outputs set to "10".
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    kwgm
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    RE: Volume level on synth modules 2009/03/31 23:26:10 (permalink)
    Adjust to taste. With 24-bit audio, you have a very wide dynamic range, and as long as your tracks are bouncing somewhere within -20db, you're going to be fine.

    I generally keep MIDI levels around GM default, 100, and then add points for solo emphasis.

    My hardware synths all have global gain boost, from +6 to +18db on my Kurz, so I can always boost this way also, if needed. The Kurz preamps are a little light, and seem to need a +12db boost to come up to the level of the Yamaha and Roland synths.




    --kwgm
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