re: levels and clipping

Computer Audio Asylum

Music servers and other computer based digital audio technologies.

In Reply to: Does Window 8.1 clip 0dBFS signal? posted by dave789 on January 6, 2015 at 07:15:23:

It may be the DAC in your Toshiba, rather than the o/s. Anyway, if lowering the level removes the distortion, then lower the level. ("Doc, it hurts when I do this." "So don't do that.")

When I transfer analog recordings to Protools sessions, I use Massey Tools' HR Meter plugin, which shows the usual rms level along with its estimate of peak levels, using an algorithm that approximates what most DACs use. With this, if I set the rms level around -12dBFS on pop music (i.e. limited dynamics like the Beatles mono LPs) I'll get brief peaks pretty often at +4 or +5 on the meter. At that level I'm not hearing any distortion on the peaks, so I leave it there. (How accurate is that meter peak reading? I have no clue, though the rms level matches my other digital meters exactly.) I don't mind having the level that low, as there is plenty of dynamic range still available, particularly when transferring from LP. Of course the DAC comes into play here, especially when we're considering how it handles transient signals above 0dB; I'm using a Metric Halo ULN2.

I came to that level by trying transfers at 0dB, -12dB, and -18dB rms, and listening to playback. With 0dB rms, I think I heard some digital grunge, and at -18dB I think I heard some flattening of dynamic range. Maybe if some day I have someone else play back the tracks randomly and let me note what I hear (blind) I'll come to different conclusions, but that's where I am.

WW
"Put on your high heeled sneakers. Baby, we''re goin'' out tonight.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Does Window 8.1 clip 0dBFS signal? - dave789 07:15:23 01/6/15 (5)

I guess Windows can't go to "eleven?" nt - Jaundiced Ear 18:22:03 01/6/15 (0)

RE: Does Window 8.1 clip 0dBFS signal? - Tony Lauck 11:00:52 01/6/15 (0)

RE: Does Window 8.1 clip 0dBFS signal? - Roseval 10:39:06 01/6/15 (0)

I'll defer to others answering the actual question, but.... - carcass93 10:00:27 01/6/15 (0)

re: levels and clipping - Bill Way 01/6/1509:57:36 01/6/15 (0)

Follow Ups

re: levels and clipping - Bill Way 01/6/1509:57:36 01/6/15 (0)

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