Levels on Field Recorders

[Tracey Lee]

So is it common that though you are seeing the levels coming into your field recorder at about -12db, once you get it in post it is only around -30db? I have tested the H4, H4n, and now the Fostex FR2LE and this is the case every time. Just curious if maybe I am doing something wrong.

 

[Sound Chaser]

Maybe I'm doing something wrong too....

Maybe I'm doing something wrong too....

Using a SD744t, the levels always seem to be a little lower when I get it into post.
I try and record averaging around -12db instead of -20db for this reason, but like you said it always seems a little less...???

One thing I don't like about the 744t is the red peak lights for me are set too low causing me to back off prematurely.

 

[Gohanto]

The sounds like the difference between "peak" meters and "averaging" meters. The averaging meters (or RMS) are always going to read much lower.

 

[atomick]

I also notice this too. The manual for the FR-2LE states that its peak meter is calibrated to -12dB, FWIW. I think Gohanto's comment about the style of the meter ballistics is most likely a core cause. That's one thing I love about the Sound Devices recorders: They let you change the ballistics of the meters to best suit your needs.

Probably some testing with tone generators may help establish some rules of thumb (i.e., recognizing that yellow meters on recorder X actually is N dB below digital zero, etc.)?