CAKEWALK sonar x3, Reference Manual

Page: 293 / 2094

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Recording audio
Recording
Recording audio
Before you record audio, you should check your input levels. If the levels are too low, you may end
up with too much hiss and background noise in your recording. If the levels are too high, your
recording will be inaccurate or distorted. To check your audio levels, use the audio meters in the
either the Track view, Track Inspector or Console view. To adjust the input levels, you must use your
sound card’s software mixer program (or the Windows 7 mixer) or an external hardware mixer for
certain sound cards.
The audio meters indicate the volume at which the audio will be recorded, in units called decibels
(dB). The meter values range from -INF (silent) to 0dB (maximum volume). You can change many
options in the way SONAR’s meters display data: see
“Metering” on page 899. To maximize the
dynamic range of your recording, you want to set the levels as high as possible without clipping.
When the audio level exceeds 0dB, some of the audio information is lost. This is known as
overload . Many sound cards use clipping to deal with an overloaded signal, but clipping can distort
the audio signal. As a result, you should avoid letting the meter level exceed 0dB.
To check the Input levels
1. In the Track view, choose the inputs for the tracks you want to record, and arm the tracks for
recording. The default meter range is from 0 dB to -60 dB. To change the range, right-click on the
meter and choose a new range from the menu.
2. Perform at the loudest level at which you plan to record.
3. Watch the meters respond. Increase the input volume as high as possible without ever letting the
meters move all the way to 0dB, even for an instant, or letting the
Clipping indicator turn red. If
either of these things happen, reduce the input volume just enough to avoid them during the
entire performance. Note that some kinds of audio, such as percussive or plucked musical
instruments, can produce very short, high-level “transients” when struck or plucked aggressively,
which can lead to clipping if the input volume is set too high. Consider the possibility of these
transients when examining the meters and setting your record level.
Once you have set your sampling rate and input levels, you are ready to start recording. If the
meters do not move, check your sound card software’s mixer program and make sure that you have
the proper input enabled for recording.
Note: Because SONAR is a digital recorder, a level of 0dB indicates digital zero. Digital
distortion will occur at 0dB. You will not get analog compression or warmth from pushing the
input levels. If you are transferring data from a DAT or another device, you may want to calibrate
the input levels of your sound card with the output levels of other devices in your studio. This will
ensure that 0dB on one unit will appear as 0dB in SONAR.
Note: If the Clipping indicator is illuminated, click on it to reset.