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Gain vs Volume: Setting Up Your Microphone For The Perfect Recording Level
In this jam-packed episode of CLIPPED, Eric dives into the often misunderstood world of audio levels, focusing on the crucial distinction between gain vs volume.
Sponsors:
This episode is sponsored by Riverside. Go to Riverside.fm and enter promo code CLIPPED for 20% off.
Here’s What You’ll Learn:
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The difference between gain vs volume, and why each matters for your podcast.
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How to dial in the perfect level of gain for crystal-clear, robust audio
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Strategies for achieving an optimal signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring your voice cuts through without unwanted background noise.
Episode Highlights:
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Gain controls the sensitivity and the amplification of your microphone. Volume relates to the playback loudness in your headphones or speakers.
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Finding the sweet spot for your gain is key to avoiding both distortion and too much ambient noise, aiming for a signal that’s full-bodied but not overloaded.
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio Explained: A crucial concept in achieving professional-quality audio, ensuring your voice stands out clearly against any background noise.
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Eric shares insights on using visual metering to set your levels correctly, aiming for a peak between -6 to -12 decibels for optimal clarity.
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A reminder of the age-old audio maxim, “shit in, shit out,”. It’s important to get a good sound when recording to ease the editing and mixing process.
Dialing In The Perfect Recording Level
Achieving the perfect audio level requires a bit of experimentation to find what works best for your unique setup and voice.
Remember, nailing your sound on the way in not only makes for a more pleasant listening experience but also makes your life easier during the editing and mixing phases.
As we always say, start strong to end strong, and you’ll save yourself a heap of time in post-production.
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