Levels and metering

[headquest]

Looking for advice...

When I record audio into Tracktion I monitor levels and carefully avoid distortion or clipping. The level meters show a healthy level, and the sound is ok.

However, when I take a clip into Audition for more indepth editing, I sometimes find that the audio is clipping. This is sometimes audible, sometimes just noticeable in Audition's level meters.

Sometimes I also get artefacts with no apparent origin. By using Audition's audio editing tools I can generally lessen or completely remove these problems, but I've found myself doing more and more of my audio recording directly in Audition itself, where all these problems seem to be avoided.

Am I doing something wrong in Tracktion - or is there a known problem with Tracktion's metering?

Any advice will be appreciated...

[SuperFly76]

Well... I have never recorded audio directly into traction as I have a standalone DAW for that. One thing that comes to mind is that Tractions level meters come after the fader by default on the tracks. Try dragging the level meter filter in front of the fader filter. That way you will be monitoring the source pre fader.

[flanneljammies]

Yeah what SuperFly said. When I track, I move the meters to be the first thing in the filter section. Later, during mixdown (if needed... I try to use my ears rather than my eyes) I drag the meters to the end of the filter section.

[headquest]

Thanks - I really should have thought of that .

I often wonder about the order of filters...including the level meter and fader. I tried what you said and realised you can have as many meters as you want - so perhaps one at the start and another at the end of the signal path?

Also, I'm assuming that effects are always serial rather than parralel. Am I correct in thinking this?

[Lunch Money]

Yes, unless you use a rack, effects are serial.

It's quite important to make sure the input levels are being monitored, which Tracktion doesn't really do by default. If you click the 'device' icon (on the left devices pane) before you begin recording, the horizontal meter will give you proper input level monitoring.

Greg

[headquest]

Thanks Greg.

I have tended to use the horizontal input level (though I never adjust the level from here - I use the soundcard level knob, or keyboard output level). But the problems I have had are in spite of this.

Strange, because within Tracktion itself the audio sounds very nice indeed, and I can think of no reason why it should spike in other applications.

I will try moving the track level meter in front of the fader next time I record from within Tracktion.

I guess I'm also going to have to take more time getting to grips with the rack filters - I've read everyone rave about them, but I've not yet taken the plunge. In many ways I like the lack of a mixer in Tracktion...and yet... rack filters "look" like a complicated way of dealing with the lack of the effects felxibility that you get on a conventional mixer.

Still, it's time to have a go! I realise that rack filters must be pretty great from all the positive comments they have attracted around here!

Thanks again everyone!

[james]

I leave Tracktion's track level alone until audio is recorded.

To adjust the input level, I use the mic pre gain and patch directly to the computer from that channel's insert jack. I get a good level in Tracktion by selecting software input and enabling "e to e" then adjusting the mackie pre until software peaks are around -3db. Next, I deselect "e to e" on the soundcard input (avoiding latency delay) and monitor the audio in real time using the mackie channel on the aux buss. My computer's main output is also routed to a stereo channel on the mackie and everything is fed to my monitors. It's a lo-fi solution that works very well.

Necessity is the mother of invention, my 6 year old powerbook doesn't support usb audio.

[Lunch Money]

Yes, exactly--

You don't make the adjustments within Tracktion (I don't think you were, just clarifying), you only use it to meter whether or not you're clipping. Lowering the level within Tracktion will not avoid clip, it will just lower the volume that's reaching your ears.

You have to adjust at your physical mixer.

As for racks--

As far as I'm concerned, using a rack as a send is still a workaround, and I'd rather use Senderella. The purpose of racks isn't this at all, it's to provide modular routing. If you're not using it for modular routing, you're kinda missing the point. Take the plunge!!

Greg

[AD80]

The purpose of racks isn't this at all, it's to provide modular routing.
Greg

I agree (although it is capable of sends). Also, its the best way to deal with multiple out VST's I've ever used. But for sends I still use the mighty Senderella.

[Lunch Money]

Right, I shouldn't have said 'at all', since sends are clearly at least a small PART of the design.

Greg