voice over recording level issue

[Mark Smith]

I’ve needed to record some VO tracks for a project. I use my mix pre 6 & usb interface to my edit system – no problems there- X recognizes the mixer input and I have audio coming through to X.

The issue is that no matter what I do which the levels at the mixer what comes into X always is on the low side and no matter what I do to boost levels at the mixer, it seems like X has some sort of limiter for input levels and record levels are always on the low side. Invariably,I always need to boost levels once I get the VO into a project and frequently need to post 12db or more.

Is there some control I am over looking that will allow me to record levels where I want them as opposed to what I am doing now?

[Brad Hurley]

Are you using the “Record Voiceover” tool? It has a slider for adjusting the input level if it’s coming in too low from the interface.

Also, just a check: are you sure it’s recording the input from your audio interface? By default, it will record the Mac’s built-in mic; you have to select the interface as the input.

[Mark Smith]

I see my mixer in the X interface so that’s not the issue, I know I am recording from my mixer/mic. The gain slider in the interface is grayed out so no options to increase gain.

[Brad Hurley]

You’re right about the input gain option being grayed out; I see the same thing when I tried just now to record through my interface. However I got a very good line level in and the levels on my recording are fine.

The best test would be to record something else from that same interface into another application (e.g., Audacity) on your computer to see if it’s an issue with the signal out from your interface. The fact that I’m getting good levels suggests that this isn’t a FCPX issue.

[Brad Hurley]

The input gain slider is probably only available when you use the built-in mic; since the interface is sending a line-level signal there’s no need to adjust it.

I have a MixPre 6 as well but have never used it as a USB interface; my interface is also from Sound Devices but it’s the USBPre 2.

[Mark Smith]

I used to have a SD usb pre 2 and had similar problems getting decent level through the USB interface to X .

[Brad Hurley]

That’s strange! See screen shot below for waveforms of some test voiceover I recorded just now in FCPX using the Record Voiceover window and my USBPre 2. Recording is loud and clear.

Have you tried recording into any other program on your computer? It would be worth testing.

[Brad Hurley]

Sorry, wrong screen shot attached by mistake. here’s the right one.

[Mark Smith]

I just tried the same audio rig on my 2nd edit machine , a 2012 iMac and I don’t feel like levels are being throttled anywhere. Once my other machine 2014 iMac 5k frees up I’ll give it another shot.

[Maksym Kvitka]

I do have the same problem. I just bought a luxury microphone and it’s recording up to -6db even if I’m screaming. I think it’s FCPx problem as I changed from steinberg to focusrite as I was thinking that there might be a problem due to software.