Reply To: re-recording with qu16 and ableton live

[ljefe]

You know, I should have been more clear. I’m talking about keeping recording levels at -18 dBfs, as measured by the meters in the DAW. The meters in the Qu-16 are calibrated to show 0 dBu when the signal inside the DAW reaches -18 dBfs because 0 dBu in the analog domain translates to -18 dbfs in the digital domain. The A&H converters are optimized for this level, all analog outboard is expecting it. Computer effect plugins that use analog modeling or saturation (compression, limiting, EQ, console plugins, saturation) are also expecting a signal around -18 dBfs. If you feed these plugins a hotter signal you will get unexpected results.

The noise floor in a 24bit system is so low (144dB of dynamic range!) you would record the self-noise of your gear before that floor reaches audible levels.

So, more specifically, to the OP- keep your levels between -20 dBfs and -12 dBfs as measured by the meters in your DAW.