How To Set Your Microphone's Gain / Level for Beginners (FAQ Series)

Today, I answer a frequently asked question, “What’s the best gain setting” or “What gain should I set my blue yeti to”, by providing you an explanation of what level you should hit when recording, what factors impact your gain requirements, and the downfalls of setting your gain too high or too low.
Preamp Gain: www.neumann.com/homestudio/en/...
Gain Staging: www.sweetwater.com/insync/gai...
00:00 - Intro
00:41 - Part 1.0: What is gain
01:34 - Part 2.0: What is the best gain setting?
01:46 - Part 2.1: Factors that Impact Gain Requirements
02:46 - Part 2.2: What level should you record at?
03:57 - Part 2.3: How to set your microphone’s gain?
05:03 - Part 3.0: How does gain affect your sound?
05:34 - Part 3.1: Setting your gain too high
06:07 - Part 3.2: Setting your gain too low
06:47 - Part 3.3: Setting your gain just right
07:08 - Outro
My KZbin Kit: podcastage.com/studio
My Favorite XLR Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favxlr
My Favorite USB Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favusb
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[@Basedgodfrey]

Sticking around for more people to find you through the algorithm, since you’re here to not waste anyone’s time.

[@stg8385]

KZbin is addiction

[@Platinum_XYZ]

@@stg8385 What?

[@ViewIndepth]

@@Platinum_XYZ lol ikr

[@Platinum_XYZ]

@@ViewIndepth for real

[@daveaustin4538]

You are a naturally good teacher. You are organized, your elocution is excellent, and you even have “ feeling” in this relatively dry subject LOL not all the videos show such excellent organization

[@TheINFJChannel]

Omfg elocution is such an awesome word!!!!! Random I know. Lol vocabulary turns me on ☺😆🤜🤛

[@456isuperduper456]

Searched up what optimal recording levels are. Got my answer in the beginning but stayed to watch the rest because I’ve never seen a KZbinr do that. Thank you!

[@PKestonia]

iSuperDuper that was indeed something else

[@stg8385]

KZbin is addiction

[@isidoreaerys8745]

Right. He just broke capitalism

[@chrisalvino812]

The man is a legend

[@leoo_hope]

same lol

[@abyss-lf6ez]

Thank you so much for this video. It was exactly what I was looking for. Simple and straight to the point. I just started making music and was setting the gain by only listening. I'm glad that now I know how to read to meter so I can get a visual while listening as well. To be honest with you I never realized how much I would have to learn just to be able to record some vocals for some rap music. My patience wears thin at times when I can't get the sound I want or can't figure how to edit properly. I have to keep reminding myself that it's going to take a lot of time and practice to really sound good I don't care who you are. But you've got to start somewhere. One step at a time. Good luck to all us beginners.

[@JohnSmith-dq4dx]

This guy... This guy...... IS A KING!!!!!!!!!! Unbelievably clear, to the point, and accurate information. I cannot thank enough!

[@JimmyLong]

I’m all new to this audio equipment stuff and I’m so glad you take the time to do all this. Thank you!

[@MalvixStudio]

Such a great video about gain staging and emphasizing the importance of setting something that works specifically for the viewer's own setup!

[@TheAuroraChasers]

This is such a simple thing. Yet with my struggles with a new audio setup, I found myself needing to refer back this again. Thanks so much for all your helpful content. It's been a lifesaver.

[@mbaghaffar]

I have been searching (And I mean all the time for the last 3-5 months) for a clear answer that will help me understand audio and the optimal levels of recording, and FINALLY I come across your channel. You sir are the definition of professionalism. You answered every question I had. I already shared this with some friends who had the same questions. It’s really great. Thank you!

[@justheathers]

Really appreciate this FAQ! It was easy to follow and really thorough with examples. Thank you for breaking down parts 2 & 3 further, will definitely be sharing this as a great reference.

[@koneeche]

You are the best tutorial maker I've ever seen. Like, as a whole. Not just for podcasts, you're just the best I've seen yet. You're clear, concise, to the point and you address any issues that anyone could face along the way - while still explaining it at a novice level. Keep up the good work!

[@poyomanman]

I’ve struggled for so long recording guitars through mics. Sometimes the recording would be too low and sometimes it would be too hot and distorted. I’ve been searching forever to understand how to use gain properly! I never sub to channels but this is actual help rather than filler content. Appreciate it.

[@Emillices]

WOW, Bandrew! That is a really good about your FAQ. Keep up the good work.

[@zornzembrano5558]

Outstanding vid!..great job!..I have searched high and low for an understandable explanation! Thanks!!!

[@nhk403]

You're my favorite audio youtuber and have the best style and delivery of any I've seen. I truly appreciate your honesty and informative videos. All of your tips and most importantly your ears and passion have helped me achieve an amazing setup. Keep up the AMAZING work!

[@CosmikZombie]

I REALLY appreciate that you get the quick and sleezy out of the way first before going in depth for those who need a quick reference. Even though that's all I needed to know, I wanted to watch more just because I was interested. Good stuff!

[@AlSquared001]

This is the most straightforward video I have watched to explain all this. thank you

[@TheScorpio32]

I discovered your channel a week ago when I was browsing around andtrying to learn about Audio interfaces and Mics, made my purchase few days ago based on your recommendation, At2035 with BEHRINGER UM2, might upgrade the interface later on if i ever feel the need to, but it fits my needs currently, I highly appreciate this video as it will definitely help a lot once i receive my package, cheers from Kuwait ^^!

[@mouniradio]

Akhi think about audient id4 or 14 ..im about to buy it .. the quality sounds much better than the scarlett 2i2 and m-audio fast track

[@Jandrix_bb]

Ah, thank you so much for making this video! I have been trying to figure out a ukulele video recording setup (two sound sources, ughh), but this helped me so so much. I'm now messing with my gain and DB settings with intentionality rather than just "messing around with stuff until it sounds okay". I initially had my headphones to monitor, but that was picking up everything and was causing me to set my gain too low. Thanks again!

[@GamelutioN1]

I needed this video about two weeks ago. But there's a lot for me to learn from the video. Thanks, Bandrew! :)

[@darkmew64]

Thank you for this video. I will keep this one in mind whenever I need it. Hope to see more FAQs. Maybe something about Podcast audio processing, gaming streaming...

[@BrianBower]

This is a really good explanation! When people ask me, I will send them here.

[@DannyBrownCA]

One of the best, if not *the* best, when it comes to mics, audio, recording, and more. I only started podcasting two years ago, but it's only in the last 6 months or so I've taken it more seriously, so your channel has been an amazing resource for mic comparisons, when to upgrade to pre-amps, etc. Thank you! :)

[@GageFilms]

You have got to be the single best audio channel on youtube. Fast to the point and easy to understand thank you for all of your help.

[@EmptyAngelo]

Thank you, this was the first video that actually helped me feel confident in gain staging knowledge. And you made me laugh! Thank you

[@WvLeegoard]

amazingly informative video! Absolutely love the way you teach all of these things! This coming from someone new to using a standalone microphone. One question tho that i've had a hard time finding an answer to unfortunately. How would you recommend setting the gain on usb condenser microphones with a volume knob on the microphone itself? in which case it could be adjusted on the microphone itself AND a volume slider in the windows recording tab. What is the correct order to go about this? First use the microphone knob to find the appropriate levels and leave the windows slider at 0 as much as possible? or the slider at 100 and then adjust the physical knob from there. This is a confusing topic for me and i'm really trying to learn. Thank you soo much for the content you provide!

[@GooseRain]

When you don't know about something and someone shares that knowledge with you without patronising you it's so wonderful. Thank you so much, even before I upgrade i can improve my sound immensely. I could kiss you, you musical tech wizard 😄

[@pintsizedpicasso3402]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! I have been interested in voice-over for some time but something that always led me to procrastinate was all the technical info I needed to learn for the equipment. I'm not horrible with technology, but since I had never used anything like condenser microphones or audio interfaces before I was overwhelmed by information overload. The way you explain everything is so simple and concise, I FINALLY feel like I am getting a solid grasp on my equipment! Again, thank you so much!!!❤

[@ThatDudeAngel]

Great explanation. I’ve been setting my gain maybe a little bit too low and now it’s a lot better now.

[@JSaunOfficial]

This was the most helpful video in the world! Thank you. I have another question. You covered the gain knob. But what about the input / output knobs?

[@spencemanification]

Your videos are so helpful, if I had to navigate all the tech that goes into audio recording myself I would not be able to explore my passion as effectively. I really appreciate you helping out in such a clear and understandable way.

[@waylandLindale]

Great information, thank you. I got the information I was looking for up front, but I stayed and watched the remainder of the video. I love that you didn’t pollute this video with all kinds of distracting “filler” material. Thank you again.

[@Podcastage]

Thank you for watching and the kind words. I'm thrilled that the video helped. Happy recording.

[@landscaperben]

Dude! That was so helpful. Thanks Bandrew!!!!!!!

[@Podcastforthewin]

What if you did a weekly faq show? I would really enjoy that.

[@tonyg4535]

Dude you are the best! I’ve started a couple podcasts and have been recording for a bit now but these videos have really helped me take my sound quality to another level! Thanks, man! Keep it up!

[@BennyVibes]

I've been learning a lot from your video man. I've started live streaming my music and your tutorials has improved my online sound dramatically. Thank you so much.

[@OnlineMD]

For years I turned up the level knob leaving the gain at the U 12 o'clock position. Big mistake...now my gain knob is at 2 to 3 o'clock ...

[@ChristopherOkhravi]

When Live Streaming: If I peak at -12 db then the "output volume" of my recording/stream will be quite low. Should I prefer adding gain in the usb audio interface (to go above -12) or should I add gain as a filter in software such as OBS? Will there even be a difference between the two? Any help here is much appreciated. Apart from the question: Thank you for the, as always, outstandingly excellent content :)

[@flayv999]

I would add gain in OBS, I'm pretty sure that would help prevent clipping. You could probably raise the gain in your interface a little bit, but too much and you start clipping.

[@JonnyBravo0311]

@@flayv999 gain is gain no matter where in the chain it's added. Ultimately, the waveform output at the end of the chain needs to be below 0db. So, if your signal peaks at -12 coming out of your interface, and you then add +10 in OBS, the end result is a signal that peaks at -2. Or, if you have the available gain in your interface/mixer, you can add the +10 there and get a signal into OBS that peaks at -2. This is where you introduce effects like EQ, gates, compressors and limiters into your chain. OBS comes with a bunch of built in audio filters you can use. The most brute force - and consequently simplest - solution is just to put a limiter on the audio and set it to something like -1 db. Then you won't have to worry about your signal clipping. It might sound awful... but it won't clip :)

[@bobbob123ful]

Use a compressor

[@Layarion]

Applying gain as close to the source as possible reduces the noise floor. Say you have Windows, instead of a nob on your mic, increase the gain. Windows will amplify all sound, including machine noise introduced through the wire (if it's not digital). If you increase the gain on your mic or something like the DAC, it'll have machine noise that is much quieter. for your specific problem, you actually have two issues. 1) to answer your question, increase the gain as high as you can so that your louder moments peak at -6 or -12 whichever you like. as close to the source as possible. 2) now come to accept a hard fact, you can't increase perceived loudness past this point without sacrifice. as in, it's time to use a compressor. Compressors take your louders moments, and quiet's them. Takes your quiet moments, and makes them louder. In essence, it reduces the dynamic range of your audio (difference between loud and quiet moments). The more you reduce this range, the more you can increase the perceived loudness of your voice. problem is, the more you reduce this range, the less natural it sounds. You're trading how good it sounds for how well low powered headphones and speakers are able to hear/play it. As far as I know, you can't have it both ways. you must pick if natural sounding audio is more important than how well it's heard: hint: someone playing your video on a phone in a laundry mat is going to have trouble if you don't push that perceived loudness as far as it'll go. someone correct me if i'm wrong.

[@JonnyBravo0311]

@ALJ Studios some will put compression first, then EQ the result. Others will EQ first, then compress the result. Both can be effective and each has its pros and cons depending on use case. At the end of the day, it depends on what sound you like. The key? Don't be too heavy-handed on any of your signal processing, no matter where in your chain it occurs :).

[@NJTSuperKing]

I appreciate the level of detail you put into explanations. Having even a loose understanding of WHY a setting or device does what it does, and why it is important is huge for someone like me who has no previous experience with recording vocals, microphones, or DAW. I've been having such a tough time getting the audio quality that I want with my Blue Yeti and OBS settings and I think (hope) that the info from this video will help me troubleshoot.

[@Raydiodayze]

Hi, this is a really fantastic tutorial on different levels. 1 Love the time stamping, used it heaps. 2 Your manner and delivery method is phenomenal, one of the best I have seen, and I am an educator. 3. You nailed the need so on the mark, you did exactly what was needed and made it so easy to fix, am so greatful!! five thumbs up (please don't ask me to explain)

[@ERICDIZZYASMR]

Whatever compressor you are using for your vocals is amazing.

[@nirav6459]

I love how he has a different mic every time

[@stg8385]

KZbin is addiction

[@stg8385]

KZbin is addiction lol

[@maskettaman1488]

@@stg8385 you ok?

[@killaysus]

@@maskettaman1488 😂😂

[@baseballstud9121]

This was by far the quickest and most efficient video I've come across explaining this concept. Thank you!

[@jprmercado]

I love that we get both the tl;dr and the necessary details for those that want to stick around. No-nonsense content!

[@SynthieFlowers]

"Let me show you the noise floor" *absolute silence*

[@joshfoss7407]

Not quite. With transparent equipment like a THX 789 + Focal Clears there's an audible noise floor, but it's pretty quiet.

[@charlesjohnsontribe1629]

I turned up my volume so I could hear it then he spoke and I almost burst an ear drum

[@SynthieFlowers]

Josh Foss Yeah I'm sure it's probably audible. But the noise floor of my phones headphone amp is probably higher 😛

[@Cruz0e]

@@joshfoss7407 no, there is absolute silence..if you heard something its on your end

[@YouKnowMeAsrAppN]

@@Cruz0e It's not an absolute silence. Just like Josh Foss said it's really quiet.

[@MinimalEncourager]

When you said, "The subtle coloration added to your recording by driving your preamp maayyyuunnnn," I actually spit out my water. 😂 That was so funny and accurate!!

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Great video ... I have been trying to get my Scarlet Solo and mic to produce good sound and this video was the thing that lead to success. Thanks so much. Richard

[@jussiniemi3.07]

Mate, awesome and simple video but yet a lot of useful information! Thanks! helps a lot when heading to a mic shopping!

[@scoremoore4280]

I needed this so much, I always wonder why other people audio sounded better than mine when mine is an at2020, by the way how would I know when it's 12 db on my uphoria um2 interface? Never mind with that question I just learned about the built in meter.

[@brtcobra]

open vegas or something like that to see the sound levels

[@yasuh4550]

brtcobra if you dont want to pay 500$ or break the law you can get obs studio

[@brtcobra]

i paid £20 for vegas pro 14 on sale, was in humble bundle. it came with a bunch of plugins too.

[@yasuh4550]

brtcobra well, I paid nothing for obs studio because it's free

[@brtcobra]

cant edit videos though :) different thing altogether

[@NackDSP]

So when the light blinks green on the Scarlett, we're all good.

[@regojozsa]

I'm so glad this popped up as a recommended video! It was informative and to the point!

[@izstrella]

This was EXTREMELY helpful! I invested in a good quality microphone, but was not sure how to properly use it until now - so, THANK YOU!

[@MARUKU]

Thank you for this ! Now I have something to send to my dumb friends instead of trying to explain the thing !

[@TheWtfareyoulooking]

-12dB for a microphone. What about for an electric guitar? Same thing? Thanks

[@bartthebos]

nope wayyy less

[@u4eahere530]

Thank you for the concise informative video! I got the info needed from the beginning of the video and listened to the rest for more detail. Your explanations are great and to the point! Thanks again!

[@perkasajakawirawan7195]

finally.. after searching this topic over the internet this past few days, i finally found the answer from your channel, thank you so much dude 🤘

[@femalefox66]

I hope people watch this video and realize buying an expensive mic is not going to magically make your recordings better.

[@reggiep75]

Nah, they need auto-tune for that as that's what they've heard for the last 20 years on popular music and the texture of the processed sound makes them think 'That's EXACTLY what I want!' hahaha

[@Prodby_duke]

Yea but some cheap mics have weird frequency responses that can’t be eq’d out when mixing (the mxl 990 for example). Magic no. Easier to mix, YES

[@lytheus69]

i record in a loud environment and spending $300 on a shotgun mic magically made my recordings better compared to my old $60 cardioid mic ;)

[@ERA_Music]

NoW i realize why my recording sucked

[@DerriDelRay]

I just bought my first studio setup and I’ve been struggling with understanding & setting gain. Thank you so much this was so informative 🥺😇

[@kellyswank]

This is greatly appreciated as I've just started doing a lot of research to be an audio engineer. Thank You.

[@hudson_riffs4088]

Moral of the story, develop a good ear to know what's needed. Too many variables to have a set formula

[@baileymaloney1961]

I mean there is a general rule: Don’t let your pre-amp cause your vocals to clip in the daw.

[@PileOfEmptyTapes]

Copypasta strikes again in the description: 06:47 - Part 3.3: Setting your gain too low Make that 06:47 - Part 3.3: Setting your gain just right

[@genevieve9743]

this was an absolutely incredible explanation - but more importantly - it was delivered quickly (while still being easy to follow!) thank you so much

[@bobjoyner7174]

Wonderful job teaching those of us with limited experience how to use an interface! I'm glad that I crossed your path as you are a natural with respect to teaching and interacting with your audience. God's Peace!

[@guillermomonti2080]

I tried out my very first microphone ever today and your video taught me a lot. I was overwhelmed with these things and being a noob + lockdown did not help me at all. Thanks a lot, sir!

[@vkd4vishal]

We need these type of explanations. I watched other videos, they were just telling the definition using technical terms. You practically showed what exactly is gain.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

I was just today struggling with a voice recording (set the gain too low) and ended up rerecording it because amplifying in post caused the problems you talk about. Thanks for adding to my knowledge.

[@CesarAguilar-nq9ln]

Aye man as an upcoming artist I want to say thanks and I appreciate the time you took to record this for people like me 🇲🇽🔥💪🏼

[@imnotgonnasay3612]

I love your knowledge! Thank you so much - you helped a lot. A little too late for my current project but I will definitely be able to apply this info to the next one!

[@brychaus9059]

I just recently discovered I had my gain set too high, but I didn't really know why it was a problem until I watched this. Thanks for the insight.

[@boutdoors8234]

Another great video. Really like your simplistic approach to things. Keep up the great work. Thank you.

[@gbwalther3198]

Thanks for the great clarification with examples regarding how to set mic gain!

[@ItsCaputo]

I find myself coming back to this video every six months as a refresher. Thanks!

[@bobsofficial4945]

Thanks man- now I know why I ruined so many of my recordings in the past- this was really helpful to me! I hit the sub button.

[@soyrobertohermosillo]

Great man! I'd love to hear more about setting the gain on very dynamic instruments.

[@CryptoComics]

This is the greatest and most helpful commentary on audio that I have ever heard. Thank you, sir.

[@DrDanielFox]

Terrific video. Thanks!!!

[@piktormusic2538]

Thanks for the clear and concise explanations. You know, as long as I have been dabbling with this stuff, I never asked "where should be setting levels, in the preamp before the DAW, or in both the DAW and the preamp?" "Leave this set to zero and work with the preamp." Of course. Makes sense ...now.

[@grisso6115]

Very well thought out tutorial that gave me a better understanding fr man well done

[@soybalboamusic]

Hey man!!!, you have been the only one who has break down this "mystery" with real examples. Thanks dude!!!

[@Weckacore]

Thank you. I somehow managed a radio studio in college and still learned the issue with a new setup I'm trying from this. Always check on the basics haha

[@submeg5183]

Great video Bandrew; your videos are extremely useful, and has really helped me to learn what I'm going to purchase. Thank you for all your tips and information; amazing!

[@leoperes812]

straight foward video, right to the point, rare to see, thank you

[@QVL75]

Thanks! That's very easy-to-understand explanation about gain.

[@paulfulford91]

Really good, clear explanation.

[@vincentvaldez6632]

I have been doing videos, documentaries etc . for some years now and good has alluded me. I have a fresh start. You are a naturally born teacher!

[@Podcastage]

This is the kindest thing I've ever heard. Thank you so much. I am so happy to hear that the video helped!

[@vincentvaldez6632]

@@Podcastage Excuse my poorly written comment. What I meant to say was "good audio has eluded me." Ha!

[@The.Vintage]

One of the best videos I watched, I now got a better understanding. Thanks.

[@MikaelJonsson60]

This was such a good video that I pressed the like button twice! :p Keep up the good work Bandrew!

[@MilesLargeTV]

This video was super helpful and everything was explained really well, thank you so much!

[@alexvaulin1140]

Brilliant explanation! Thank you!

[@Vexies]

Awesome video dude! Very very helpful

[@Andee...]

Great video! Easy to understand while still being very informative.

[@pjchacon]

Dude, thanks so much for such an informative video. Not only informative but so easy to follow. I just set the levels for my new Rode Procaster. I had to get a cheap interface while waiting for the Motu M2 that is on backorder, and a Behringer Tube Ultragain Mic100 to get better levels without adding too much noise (nice little amp). By following your instructions and tips, I got super clean audio! Thanks!

[@brendaholiday]

Perfect! Thanks for explaining this so succinctly and in such an easy-to-understand way!

[@frubo_ssg]

Always GREAT reviews and instructions. Thank you so much!

[@larryatha3221]

I thought this was a very good video, very useful for me - as an ultra-novice with sound but very experienced signal processing/instrumentation guy. Your videos are very watchable and listenable.

[@Hypn0tyque]

This was a fantastic and valuable discussion about gain. Thank you!

[@eduardo_cavadas]

Perfect video! I just recieved my new mxl770 yesterday and was trying to figure out the perfect gain on 2i2 whitout clipping. Thank you so much!!

[@gabriel.visita]

Amazing video. Straight to the point

[@Anamcara1956]

Thanks for all your help. You video was to the point and very professional.