Where should I set my levels ?

On a digital machine, you never want to go over 0 db. While short duration over indicators may be inaudible on many playback systems, there IS a distorted signal on the tape . This distortion will be audible to some ears, on some systems. I believe that giving up 1 to 3 db of dynamic range is not audible. This makes conservative level setting the best approach. I advise you set your levels to max out at -3db. This will give you excellent results and provide you with a measure of headroom to avoid digital distortion.

Another thing to consider on consumer gear, is the position of the record level control. If it is set at 3 1/2 or lower, you may have a distorted signal going to tape. This is true for the Sony D3/7/8's, D100 and SBM-1, using the line input or the mic input. The Tascam DAP-1 also exhibits this problem when going mic in. For all of these units, when using the mic input and the record level control is at 3 1/2 or lower, switch the deck to low sensitivity for the Sony's and the -20db pad on for the Tascam. If you already did this and the signal is still too hot, use the -10 db pad on the microphones. If the microphone does not have a pad or the signal is still to hot, check out our performance upgrades for these units. If you are recording from a soundboard you should set your level control to about 6 or 7. At this time ask the sound person to turn down the send to the recorder until the levels are about right. You may now fine tune the levels with your level control knob.