How do you determine the optimal mic volume level - A7Rii

[Jeffsteez]

Clearly a bit of a basic question, but I've been using a Rode Videomic Pro recently and have had some issues with my volume setting. I've been using it on its 20db setting which requires quite a significant reduction in volume from the A7Rii default of 26. My approach has been a bit 'intuitive' to put it mildly. I basically just fiddle with it, talking loudly myself and set it so that I don't get any "red" on the volume bar. I've gone too high a few times and ended up with clipped audio, which makes me think I should be avoiding even the yellows.

Does anyone have default settings they use for the Video Mic Pro? Or can anyone please share their logic for a custom set based on ambient / subject?

Thanks

 

[NorBro]

The preamps in the Sonys are sensitive...knock it down as much as possible.

If you get optimal levels at '1' (around -12dB or below) that would be the best audio with the least amount of noise in your recordings.

Also, IIRC the camera has built-in attenuation you can't turn off. So even if the levels are in the yellow, it was most likely supposed to be in the red and the camera level was wrong as the camera was trying to save it from clipping, but it clipped anyway.