Gain structures

[Nick Davis]

I am on the side of setting the gains first at the optimum signal level - i.e. average 0db or on a digital desk -18 to 020 dbfs. This is partly because I often take the direct outs to do a multi-track recording. The appropriate initial balance of the foh levels are then set e.g. the balance of the drum kit using the faders. The levels for the sends to monitor mixes are then set.

 

However as I use a digital desk I also use the DCA's - thus once set the channel faders can be seldom altered - changes for example to the level of the drum kit within the mix are adjusted using a DCA - or the level of the all channel sends to the main L/R mix ( the main fader being left set at unity).