seeking sony M1 levels / meter advice

[prof_peabody]

I've taped a few shows now on my M1 and I'm looking for a few pointers (I've dug through the search results a bit already).  I've been metering so that the during average music the levels are always above -12, but usually at -6 to -4.  There is rarely if ever clipping.  Am I in the sweet spot, or should I push it a bit and run hotter?

Thanks

[jbraveman]

I've taped a few shows now on my M1 and I'm looking for a few pointers (I've dug through the search results a bit already).  I've been metering so that the during average music the levels are always above -12, but usually at -6 to -4.  There is rarely if ever clipping.  Am I in the sweet spot, or should I push it a bit and run hotter?

Thanks

-12 is a good place to shoot for.  You can always add gain afterwards, but it's near impossible to fix clipping.

[svenkid]

for analog patching, I always run my levels low bc I can add gain later.
best solution, is to run digital y0!

[prof_peabody]

for analog patching, I always run my levels low bc I can add gain later.
best solution, is to run digital y0!

True enough.  I guess there is a balance between safe levels and recording depth.  +Ts

[udovdh]

Less than 6 dB of margin (-6 dB to 0dBFS) over a full show is nice. If you're there leave it at that.

[marc0789]

don't be a wuss. push it a little. you're def. losing some bit depth if you wind up at mostly -12 with peaks up to -6. shoot for -3 or -2. you may be able to add volume later, but not resolution.

[Teen Age Riot]

Exactely. Normally, you can even go over 0 if it's just for short peaks.

I miss GBV. Awesome avatar.

don't be a wuss. push it a little. you're def. losing some bit depth if you wind up at mostly -12 with peaks up to -6. shoot for -3 or -2. you may be able to add volume later, but not resolution.

[prof_peabody]

don't be a wuss. push it a little. you're def. losing some bit depth if you wind up at mostly -12 with peaks up to -6. shoot for -3 or -2. you may be able to add volume later, but not resolution.

Sorry, guess I wasn't clear...  Average is between -12 and -6 with peaks hitting -1.  Guess I'll push it a bit more in the future though.  +T

[Brian Skalinder]

Sorry, guess I wasn't clear...  Average is between -12 and -6 with peaks hitting -1.  Guess I'll push it a bit more in the future though.  +T

FWIW, that sounds just right to me.

[marc0789]

don't be a wuss. push it a little. you're def. losing some bit depth if you wind up at mostly -12 with peaks up to -6. shoot for -3 or -2. you may be able to add volume later, but not resolution.

Sorry, guess I wasn't clear...  Average is between -12 and -6 with peaks hitting -1.  Guess I'll push it a bit more in the future though.  +T

oh yeah, that's fine. nothing you can do to avoid the low stuff when it's quiet.

[prof_peabody]

Thanks... now I can focus on my move to phantom

[svenkid]

I used to run the m1 in the +3-5 range y0!