> The preamp instructions say "Set the recording level to the maximum setting in the ‘manual recording’ mode (some recorders are always in manual mode). The recording level should be at maximum for the best overall dynamic range and lowest signal to noise ratio."
The editor must have been asleep at the wheel that day, since normally we want the highest, not the lowest, signal-to-noise ratio.
> Is that correct? That seem counter-intuitive to me
Yes, it is counter-intuitive. Whether it's correct or not can only be found out either (a) the professional way, by gathering full technical specifications for each component in each relevant setting, or (b) the way we are often forced to do it, by testing (not at an important concert, I hope).
It would certainly be unusual for any ordinary equipment from a major manufacturer. But when you use gear that's less formally produced, it may not conform to the same expectations. So the answer is that "more information would be needed."
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