When recording for broadcast, we run a multitrack which has individual mics in it, some sub groups like clean chat, pre and post fade audience, and the mix, and this is what post production (the edit and Sound dubbing) expect.
But I have to feed some of the VT record machines’ analogue inputs and I also want to view the levels on my BBC PPM’s. If I run them correctly, the mix on the multitrack will be 4dB low. As an aside, this also messes with where the overall limiter is set, and the gain structure of the mixer leading up to it.
I also feel that it’s an unusual level to have picked. Strangely, I have a Motu (American) FireWire audio interface, and -18 tone comes out of that bang on 0dBu.
Look, it’s not the end of the world, but it’d make my life a little bit easier, and make the SQ more compatible with other equipment.
I can of course work round, but with those levels able to be set as I’m asking, it all falls into place, just as it does with the studio gear I use every day.
For PA and foldback, you effectively turn it up until it’s as loud as you want it. In broadcast, you very much have to hit a fairly precise target. 4dB wrong is massive.
