editing Question

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Utopia

When recording voice (such as ADR or Voice Over), what is your preferred method of padding the mic?

In-line or the mic's built-in pad?

Also, what is the most efficient way you have found to put one in during a recording session? Do you stop recording and insert it on the line in the record booth? Do you have 2 identical mics recording at the same time with one padded down?

I want to know because I have recording sessions that require extremely high gain (whispering lines) and then extremely low gain (screaming lines) and I do not have a pad on my pre-amp - only an in-line pad or a pad on a mic. Otherwise my tube preamp distorts.

I am working out my recording set-up and wanted to see what other people do in this scenario.
 
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What are you recording on\in? 24bit 96khz, or 16bit 48khz or somit else?

This matters because with the high bit rates you don't have to be near so worried about a "hot" signal. At 24bits You can get good, low noise recording well below the recording input levels you would use for 16bit. Which is good for highly dynamic signals.. so with 24bits you can sometimes just set the levels for the LOUDEST part and the quiet bits will be recorded with plenty of resolution so you can turn them up in post without adding noise.



Though, it seems the right thing to me is to adjust the MIC position (have the talent MOVE away from the mic for the loud bits, and move close for the whispers..) and adjust the mic level to the LOUDEST signal.

I can see why you might not WANT to move the talent, if you do you'll pick up more of the ROOM sound for the loud parts etc, but maybe thats ok? For whisper, the only way I know to get that "whispering in my ear" sound is VERY close micing with a sensitive large diaphragm condenser mic. But I digress..
 
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Thanks for the reply.

I'm using 48K 24BIT Pro Tools HD 192 I/O out of a Manley tube pre.

The input stage can't get turned down far enough to not distort - hence need of the pad.

I'd rather not have the talent move away from the mics if I can help it.
 
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