Input level - meter?

Question

Level 2

202 points

Input level - meter?

This might seem like a stupid question, but I need to ask it as the GB help doesn't explain it clearly. Where should one set input level for recording and where does one MONITOR that level via a meter reading (to check for clipping, etc)? This seems like such a basic need, so I'm confused to why it's not clearer.

I'm using an M-Audio FW410 which has it's own software mixer, but from their manual it seems the input level should be set from within GB.

I've experimented with the Recording Level slider in GB and even when it's not greyed out I'm not hearing a difference in signal, even if I turn it to 0. Do I actually have to go to the Sound control panel in System Preferences for this? I should mention I'm recording a "real instrument" track and my signal is coming through loud and clear.

The only two level meters I see from within GB are for each track's volume (which is just for mixing and/or monitoring while recording, correct?) and the master volume slider/meter at the bottom.

thanks,
Scott

MacBookPro 2.16, Mac OS X (10.5.1), 2GB RAM

Posted on Dec 4, 2007 3:54 PM

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Answer 1

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Dec 4, 2007 3:57 PM in response to Scott F.

control the level with the interface/its software. watch the level in the Track's meter

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Answer 2

Scott F. Author

Level 2

202 points

Dec 4, 2007 4:37 PM in response to HangTime

But doesn't that meter adjust as you regulate that slider for monitor level of the track?

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Answer 3

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Dec 4, 2007 4:41 PM in response to Scott F.

Scott F. wrote:
But doesn't that meter adjust as you regulate that slider for monitor level of the track?

no

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Answer 4

Scott F. Author

Level 2

202 points

Dec 4, 2007 4:57 PM in response to HangTime

Strange. Well, I'll check it out. Thanks for your replies

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Answer 5

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Dec 4, 2007 4:58 PM in response to Scott F.

good luck, enjoy

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Answer 6

Dec 5, 2007 5:16 AM in response to Scott F.

Standard practice, as on mixing desks: input meters are pre-fader (level control): output meters are post fader. With the inputs, this is to prevent you from feeding in a very high level, turning it down with the fader, and thinking you have the level right when in fact the input is overloading the input circuitry.

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Answer 7

Scott F. Author

Level 2

202 points

Dec 5, 2007 5:53 AM in response to Roger Wilmut1

Thanks Roger. So, this means I should be controlling level from the input source and or my interface - before it enters Garageband? I'm still curious as to the "ideal" way to to verify that I'm getting enough signal, but not too much.

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Answer 8

Dec 5, 2007 8:45 AM in response to Scott F.

To much is when on your interface the clip led is on.
(on fireWire 410 you can't miss it)

That's for your interface, but not to strong for the interface don't mean not to strong for
something after so you have to check at every piece of hardware youv'e got.

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Answer 9

egold

Level 1

0 points

Dec 6, 2007 4:33 AM in response to Scott F.

Good morning,

I've set my audio inputs from the firewire interface first so it's not clipping but I noticed that the master volume in GB also controls the input to each track besides the output volume or is this not true? Were should the master volume be set before setting each track volume? Also how does one know if the internal mic is turned on or off.

Thanks

Evan

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Answer 10

Dec 6, 2007 5:18 AM in response to egold

The meter on each input should be reading at a sensible level: not over-peaking but not too low either. The main control has no effect on these levels, only on the final mix. For example, if the main control was at a normal setting, and you had a number of channels all at a high level, then they would add together and you would need to bring the final level down to prevent it over-peaking. The level should be set sensible at every stage.

You set the input in the GarageBand Preferences, so this will show what you are using. If you have your interface selected then the internal mic is not in use.

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