Recording voice (04) Recording levels(Letto 34 volte)

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In the figure above: on the left, a reference scale for a high-quality preamplifier, with a clipping level of +26dB above the 0dB reference; on the right, a diagram representing the average performance of three preamplifier quality levels: as quality decreases, there is a reduction in the useful dynamic range, due to a lowering of the distortion threshold and an increase in the noise threshold. In addition, low-quality preamplifiers often offer slow transients and low-quality harmonic saturation when used at high gain levels.

Recording levels

As regards voice recording levels, the decisive factor is above all the preamplifier's ability to optimise audio quality in the harmonic saturation zone:

• For classical and opera vocals, and in all cases where perfect clarity and fidelity are required, the best results are generally achieved with an excellent transparent preamplifier, keeping the highest peaks below the clipping point, with a margin of at least 6 dB.
• if you are forced to record a voice source of the above type with a coloured preamplifier, it is generally a good idea to move further away from the clipping point, for example by 12 dB or even more;

NOTE

In reality, this will depend on the characteristics of the preamplifier: there are those that colour the sound at any level of use and those that remain neutral up to a few dB from the clipping point. The above indication is only a guideline.

• For pop, rock, funk and dance vocals, the best results are generally achieved with an excellent coloured preamplifier, taking care to push the gain more or less into the actual saturation range (which will vary from one preamplifier to another) according to specific sound requirements, thus seeking a balance between:

1. grit and saturation, on the one hand
2. softness and clarity, on the other hand