TRACKTION RECORDING LEVELS
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- KVRist
- 65 posts since 17 Dec, 2004 from IRELAND
Hi all,
I've noticed that the level metres on individual tracks can go way into the red without distorting the sound. Can anyone explain the relationship between the track levels and the master level? How do I know that levels are approaching digital clipping? Maybe silly questions to all you veterans out there help appreciated.
I've noticed that the level metres on individual tracks can go way into the red without distorting the sound. Can anyone explain the relationship between the track levels and the master level? How do I know that levels are approaching digital clipping? Maybe silly questions to all you veterans out there help appreciated.
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- KVRAF
- 6937 posts since 4 Jun, 2004 from Utrecht, Holland
ITS TOO LOUD (your subject, that is...)
Depends... When recording in 16bits it will be clipped. If you say you don't hear it you should listen more closely to thah track only in solo.
For VSTi tracks that generate sound, it is internally in 32bits floating point format which can not clip. Still it is a good idea to keep them close to zero.
Depends... When recording in 16bits it will be clipped. If you say you don't hear it you should listen more closely to thah track only in solo.
For VSTi tracks that generate sound, it is internally in 32bits floating point format which can not clip. Still it is a good idea to keep them close to zero.
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- KVRAF
- 6740 posts since 25 Mar, 2002 from sheffield, england
Internally Tracktion uses 32-bit floats. This gives loads of extra headroom, so its practically impossible to clip internally. The only point at which an over light is likely to cause audible distortion is at an audio output, as at this point the audio is converted to an integer format (either 16 or 24 bit)
In other words, unless you use external devices via extra I/O, the red lights in the master section are the only ones you really need to worry about.
In other words, unless you use external devices via extra I/O, the red lights in the master section are the only ones you really need to worry about.
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- KVRAF
- 6740 posts since 25 Mar, 2002 from sheffield, england
Your record levels are another matter of course.. make sure you leave plenty of headroom here, especially if you record 24 bit files..
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- KVRist
- 127 posts since 28 Dec, 2004
A handy vst can be got here for free
http://www.elementalaudio.com/downloads/index.html
Scroll to the bottom of the page and download "Inspector". Plug it in on any track at any point in the plug-in chain to see both peak and RMS db levels at that point. Very useful on the master channel as well. Visually indicates when "clips" occur as well as clip incidents, consecutive clips, clip samples and headroom for both the left and right channels.
chimmy
http://www.elementalaudio.com/downloads/index.html
Scroll to the bottom of the page and download "Inspector". Plug it in on any track at any point in the plug-in chain to see both peak and RMS db levels at that point. Very useful on the master channel as well. Visually indicates when "clips" occur as well as clip incidents, consecutive clips, clip samples and headroom for both the left and right channels.
chimmy
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- KVRAF
- 4644 posts since 28 Nov, 2002 from Chicago
while you are at it, buy their EQs 
Someone shot the food. Remember: don't shoot food!
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 65 posts since 17 Dec, 2004 from IRELAND
Again thanks to all for the excellent advice on the level meters.The 32 bit floating point explains the red peaks in the individual tracks. This forum really rocks even for a classical minded guy like myself.
Now can anybody tell me how to increase or decrease the sound level WITHIN a track without splitting the track. When I highlight a section and increase or decrease the gain it just applies it across the whole track. Recently I recorded some choral pieces with church organ. On one particular piece the solo organ introduction is too loud and the choirs entry too low in comparison. For unavoidable reasons The organ was not miked seperately so I need to adjust the organ solo a few db's to balance. I know there is something about automating parameters in the T manual but it went over my non computer savvy head. Anybody got the answer?
Now can anybody tell me how to increase or decrease the sound level WITHIN a track without splitting the track. When I highlight a section and increase or decrease the gain it just applies it across the whole track. Recently I recorded some choral pieces with church organ. On one particular piece the solo organ introduction is too loud and the choirs entry too low in comparison. For unavoidable reasons The organ was not miked seperately so I need to adjust the organ solo a few db's to balance. I know there is something about automating parameters in the T manual but it went over my non computer savvy head. Anybody got the answer?
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- KVRAF
- 6740 posts since 25 Mar, 2002 from sheffield, england
Each track has a little "A" symbol top right. Drag this to the Vol / Pan filter you wish to automate, & choose "volume" from the list.
A red line should appear on the track, indicating the current setting: click on the line to create nodes and drag them around.. Easy!

A red line should appear on the track, indicating the current setting: click on the line to create nodes and drag them around.. Easy!
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 65 posts since 17 Dec, 2004 from IRELAND
Hi Platinumears,
Thank you for the swift reply to my question. Look forward to trying it out later today. Cheers
Thank you for the swift reply to my question. Look forward to trying it out later today. Cheers
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- KVRAF
- 2009 posts since 9 Apr, 2003 from Cornwall, UK
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 65 posts since 17 Dec, 2004 from IRELAND
Thanks Tingle. Will do.

