Recording Level Guide
How to Set the Correct Recording Level for Your Custom-Processed Demo
To create an accurate preview of your custom-processed sound, itβs important to record your audio at the correct level. The optimal peak recording level is:
Peak level: β6 dB
Recording at β6 dB gives me a clean, strong signal that reduces noise, avoids distortion, preserves your natural dynamics, and allows me to recreate your custom-processed sound accurately. It also helps determine whether your raw audio meets the threshold needed for more advanced work.
You may feel the urge to make your recording βloud,β but loudness does not happen at this stage.
The goal here is clean dynamics β not volume. Your file may sound quieter than you expect, and thatβs normal. Loudness comes later during processing and production.
1. Set Your Level Using Your Audio Interface
Use the gain knob on your audio interface while watching the level meter in your DAW. Most DAWs display a peak meter β this shows the loudest point of your signal in real time. This is the meter you must watch while recording.
Speak at your normal, consistent volume, and increase your gain until your loudest words approach:
Target: β6 dB peak
- Never go above β6 dB
- Lower than β6 dB is acceptable
- Your goal is to get as close to β6 dB as possible without crossing it
- If you pass β6 dB, lower your gain and try again
Your job during capture is not to make the recording loud β itβs to capture clean, accurate dynamics with proper headroom.
2. Fine-Tune in Your DAW (Optional)
If your recording is close but not quite at β6 dB, you can adjust it inside your DAW:
- Select your recorded audio file
- Use a Gain or Normalize function
- Set the peak target to β6 dB
Important:
If you use Normalize, make sure it is set to Peak (not RMS, LUFS, or Average). Using average-based normalization will produce the wrong level.
3. If You're Unsure, I Can Help You Get It Right
If youβre completely lost or not confident your recording level is correct, youβre not alone β getting levels right is one of the most common challenges voice talent face.
If you want guided help, the best next step is to either:
- Book a Stage 1 Custom Recording Session, or
- Take my Recording Levels Training Course
Both options will walk you through the process and ensure your audio is captured correctly moving forward.
Once your recording peaks around β6 dB, return to the submission page and continue to the next step.
If you have questions or need help, email me at [email protected].
