Which levels to calibrate?

arvee72 wrote on 7/19/2005, 10:26 AM

My Setup:
Vegas 5 ---> M-Audio 1010LT ----> 6 channel external preamp---->5ch amp--->5 monitors + powered sub

Question:
Where do I calibrate the channel levels when mixing in 5.1?
My options are: a) in Vegas, b) in the M-audio Software Mixer, or c) at the external preamp.

Thanks for any input,
Rob

Comments

MJhig wrote on 7/21/2005, 11:14 AM

For mixing? Vegas.

For recording? All of them except the Delta Mixer as it only attenuates so leave it maxed or bypass it in the Patch Bay Router.

It's called gain staging. Start with the the first device in the chain (closest to the source), set it to optimum levels (as close to clipping without clipping by adjusting the trim/gain) for the hottest signal then move to the next device in the chain and repeat until the end (Vegas in this case).

MJ