-12 or -18 Gain Structure?

Cranking up those input levels can really mess with your mix. Turns out, keeping things a bit quieter at the start gives you way more wiggle room later on.

When Inputs Get Too Hot

Pushing inputs to -12 dB might seem cool, but it's asking for trouble. Your subgroups start flirting with the red, and the sound gets funky even before it clips. Sure, you could slap a band-aid on it with a "choke" DCA, but that's not fixing the real problem.

Pink Noise Showdown

Here's what happens when you crank up some pink noise:
  • At -12 dB: Just 4 inputs and bam! Clipping central.
  • At -18 dB: You can pile on 8 inputs before things go haywire.

Finding the Sweet Spot

The takeaway?
  • Dial it back to -18 dB on your inputs
  • You'll have tons more breathing room, especially with a packed channel list
  • Kiss those surprise clips in your groups and mains goodbye
Bottom line: -18 dB is where it's at. It keeps your mix clean, even when you're juggling a ton of inputs. Your ears will definitely dig the difference!

Topics

Yamaha

Categories

Audio
201