EURORACK MX2642A
8.6Recording Levels
When recording to digital, it’s a good idea to keep the recorder’s peak meters below 0 dB. Most (not all, esp. samplers) read 0 dB with some headroom left. This is because, unlike with analogue, the onset of digital distortion is as sudden as it is horrible. If you really want to take your recording level to the limit (and fully exploit 16-bit digital’s 96 dB dynamic range), you’ll have to do some calibrating. How to do it? Well, you could run a tone at 0 dB from the mixer and use that as your DAT or ADAT reference. But your DAT or ADAT may be way under its maximum input limit. Probably a better way to work out just how hard you can drive your recorder is to incrementally increase the record level until the onset of digital distortion, subtract, say, 5 or 10 dB, and never exceed that level. Engage “peak hold” on your recorder before recording if you want to confirm that you haven’t.
When recording to analogue, the tape machine’s VU meters should show around +3 dB on bass, but only around -10 dB for hi hat. Although analogue distortion is more like compression at modest overload levels (often desirable on bottom end), higher frequencies cause saturation even at modest levels (an unpleasant “crunchiness”). Also, VU meters tend to progressively under-read above 1 kHz, due to their sluggish response time. Hi hats should read about -10 dB on a VU meter, as against 0 dB for a typical snare drum, and +3 dB or more for a kick drum.
+Peak meters read more-or-less independent of frequency. Aim for 0 dB recording level for all signals.
8.7Lining Up Recorder/Sampler Inputs
Set the channel sensitivity to match the operating level of your multitrack (consult the manual, phone the manufacturer, or simply “suck & see” to find which setting works best). The sampler’s variable/switchable input gain range is bound to accept -10 dBV and/or +4 dBu. There is no oscillator in the EURORACK, but you can use a simple unmodulated sustained tone from a keyboard. Choose one around 1 kHz. Set the channel EQ to normal (12-o-clock), and line up the channel according to the setting up procedures (8.2). Route this signal to all subgroups and adjust the subgroup output faders so that the bargraph meters read 0 dB. Now put the recorder into input mode on all channels, and the sampler into sample mode. If the tape operating level switches are correctly set, then 0 dB on the group output meters should also show 0 dB on the tape recorder’s input meters. A discrepancy of 12 dB indicates that a wrong operating level has been selected. Now adjust the sampler’s input level until it also reads 0 dB.
+Beware of inaccurafe/uncalibrated sampler input meters. Work out how hard you can safely drive the sampler’s input, reference this to 0 dB on your EURORACK group (PFL). Then take note of the sampler’s input gain pot setting. (Or use soft adhesive tape etc. to hold it in one position). Now you can use the subgroup meters to confirm level when sampling, usually far clearer than using the sampler’s own input level display.
8.8Auditioning a Mix
In order to be heard other than when Solo/PFL-ed, a channel must be routed to the main mix bus. This can be either from the channel routing matrix directly (S20), or via one of the subgroups (S18/19), so long as that subgroup is itself routed to the L/R bus (S35). Channels going to tape are usually monitored via tape returns. On the EURORACK this means using either input channels (stereo or mono). Stereo line inputs, or via a separate submixer (e.g. BEHRINGER ULTRALINK PRO MX 882), patched into a suitable input such as that for 2-track playback. The MAIN MIX button of channels and subgroups going to tape should be up so as to avoid “double” auditioning.
8.9Track Sheet
When laying out channels for recording or mixing, try to be sensible. Keep tom-toms together, etc. Work out a scheme that suits you and stick to it. A common order is: kick drum, snare, hi-hat, tom-toms (as the audience sees the kit), cymbals (ditto), bass, guitars, keyboards, other instruments, vocals. From session to session and gig to gig you will soon know where you are without hardly ever having to look at a tracksheet.
