Freesound Forums
How much Headroom?
Started May 19th, 2008 · 8 replies · Latest reply by tacktix 16 years, 6 months ago
Of course it depends on the material you are recording. If it is going to be something you only get one shot at without any type of sound check you are gonna have to be on the safe side and keep the lower. I have recorded other live events where I do get a sound check, but I don't always trust the performers to be at the same level (they usually get a bit more excited during the performance) so I push the levels a bit higher but still need to keep a good bit of headroom for any sudden craziness the performer decides to throw at me.
On a controlled recording I always push the levels as hot as I can. By controlled I mean I can take as many takes as needed, and the environment is controlled (such as in a studio). For these types of studio recordings I try to get everything between 0 and -3. I try and use every bit available, to give myself the best / cleanest signal possible.
Hear hear. From your description I hope you chose "..based on source and circumstance...", but I also know you might have been answering on the basis of what is desireable for the overall project. I admit a poll cannot allow all options at once.
I too regularly do both controlled and un-controlled environments. If I had my way I would do controlled ones, but nature calls sometimes.
(You and I should probably share some material someday soon) What kind of studio do you have going on ejfortin?
I didn't know which one to pick, because I submit to both options, but I could only choose one. Right now I am working as a Sound Designer for a video game development studio.
-3 to -8 db
I think it the gear is very importent to the out come of an overload!
As I record digital (sometimes 32bit), I experienced that a digital overload can be a killer to a take!!!
I need the headroom, and boost the hell out of it later :lol:
thanx