How to Set Levels for Recording in Pro Tools

Ensuring that your levels are recorded properly is key to producing high quality recordings. Recording at levels that are too loud or "hot" will cause "digital distortion." Learn how to make sure that your levels are loud enough without causing distortion or "clipping."

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pro Tools software
• Pro Tools hardware interface
• Computer
• Instrument or Microphone

1. First, click the input button for the track you intend to record. Make sure that the input is set to the channel you have your microphone or instrument plugged into (on your audio interface).

2. Click the Transport Window's Record button.

3. Play your instrument. While you are playing, look at the level meters located on your track. You should aim to capture the loudest signal possible, without overloading or "clipping." If the meter lights up into the red, then your signal is too loud or too "hot." If your signal is very low on the meter, then your levels are not loud enough.

4. Locate the input knob on your Pro Tools hardware interface for the channel that your instrument is plugged into. Turn the knob either up or down, depending on whether your signal is too loud or too soft.

5. Once you have your levels set properly, press play to begin recording!

Tips & Warnings

• Recording levels that are too loud (in the red) will cause what is known as digital distortion. It is a very unpleasant sound and one you definitely want to avoid--if your goal is to make professional sounding recordings.