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Hi,

I read recently to set correct gain structure within the DAW to around - 14dbfs.
My understanding on this is to have the final mix peaking at around -14dbfs?..

Am I correct..?

I chose to calibrate my hybrid setup to - 18dbfs.

Using Logic Pro, I send a 1khz sine tone set at - 18dbfs out to my Prism Orpheus.

From the Orpheus I then go into my Thermionic Fat Bustard Summing mixer with everything disengaged. I turn both input and outputs to full - 0db.

The 1khz tone is sent out the Fat Bustard back to the Orpheus then to Logic Pro which reads -18dbfs. Im good with that but..

The level I am getting at the Fat Bustard is around - 4vu.. Seems kinda low to me...Is this correct or should it be sitting at 0vu?..

If this is correctly setup, how would I drive the signal more if needed in the Fat Bustard if both the input and outputs are set at full 0db from calibration?...

Many thanks,

Noodlez.

I think you're putting too much emphasis on the numbers. As long as it's not clipping, and there's a few decibels of headroom, you're good to go. It doesn't matter if it's -30db if it's a good mix. Levels can be raised later fine.

Yeah with the gain structuring, don't take it as the gospel and don't go by figures and numbers. As wormcode said, just make sure its not clipping, especially at the D/A conversion stage (the Prism Orpheus). With analogue its a lot more forgiving and at times desired for that over-driven crunch.

Once you know the rules, feel free to break them, you are no longer in ignorance of the correct technical optimization.
You understand the trade offs in distortion and noise. If you find a sweet spot in your summing device, go for it.

There is nothing wrong in -4Vu nor +4Vu once you know why you are where you are.

ka-ching

play around w/ a few settings; i used to set up my trident s100 to -18 but it never felt right; -10dbFS let me push the inputs more and get more into the fun zone w/o clipping. no sense in using a Fat Bastard with everything in the green-- find where it really starts to open up.