SoundCraft UI24R Input Gain Settings

[@sergeborne2626]

Nice and clear video, very useful for beginners.

[@neilsnow7973]

At the top of the channel it reads what the DB is for the channel, plus there is a thick line next to the fader that is Unity! I find things start to get muddy and distorted when too much gain is added. That effect can be desired at times, but usually not! Don't want it too quiet either because when you start throwing them to the AUX busses for monitoring it can be difficult to dial in good levels. -24 on your mix page is where Unity or zero is on that mixer. Also, at the top of the channel it says what the DB is set for the fader, but the meter next to the fader for that channel lights up and shows you how far up you are going. You wanna be just bellow -24 most of the time, maybe peaking just past it occasionally, depending on if you are using Sub bus mixes before going to the master...remember everything sums at the end...that means the levels will go up the more channels you throw at the master. Watching your eq is important also, because the peak level is going to be the peaks of the eq RTA which you can view in the edit menu.

[@alphacentauriproxima]

Very helpful! Thank you, Keith.

[@mrtau6279]

so you set the gains properly and then leave it and now you control the live sound from the volume fader? so when setting the right gain, how loud does your volume fader set at to begin with? Also we noticed in our band that after we set volume/gains of all the channels etc... when we playback an mp3 song from a flashdrive, its way too loud than our band we have to adjust the playback volume down, is this normal?

[@keithtannoya5356]

First question is kind of a trick question... Each input volume setting is going to be different in the mix . Many will start at with the faders all the way down and bring the volume up once your gain setting is set. Some will start at 0 dB, and so on. I recommend starting low (so you can hear the signal) and bringing up your volume fader to a proper level once the desired or maximum gain level is achieved. You may need to readjust your gain level as you go depending on the input signal source. An example of this would be a microphone or acoustic guitar, etc... I want to review the playback of the USB in the system before I answer your second question. It's a really good question. 👍

[@rcb_matt]

So on average what dB level are you setting up instruments? I was told -12 was a good starting point... for the Ui24r that is.

[@keithtannoya5356]

For me, It depends on the instrument / source. I balance the input signals for each channel to maximum strength without clipping based on the SOURCE. That is the most important aspect. 12 is a good place to start, however each signal has its variables. For example, a vocal mic, cabinet mic, & drum mic are all different and the gain setting for each is going to vary from mic to mic. I used the bass in this video because bass will easily clip and become distorted when not set properly. The source was a direct out from the amp which is different from a microphone. I had to bring it way down to get a proper setting. Then bring it up in the mix. Your input signal will determine where to set the input gain level.

[@rcb_matt]

@@keithtannoya5356 because i mainly use my ui24r for live sound... would you use a DAW to verify gain levels in a live setting or do you just use it for the studio?

[@keithtannoya5356]

@@rcb_matt I am cozy using the meters on the digital soundboard from the UR24. However if I was going to record the show using my laptop then absolutely because I can see each signal etc.... that visual in the DAW On a normal setup just use the meters... 😎👍

[@Anonymous-lt7ot]

When I connect my ui24r to my DAW (ableton) the gain faders disappear. Can you explain how to fix this?

[@keithtannoya5356]

I have had this happen where faders are not loading and my quick fix is to reload the mixer page. Ihave not experienced this with using a DAW. Try reloading the mixer page.

[@sounddecoration3705]

Make more videos on ui24r

[@motorcyclesandmusic8359]

Is there a mic pad on the pre amps?

[@keithtannoya5356]

I looked at the manual and didn’t see any information on a mic pad feature. I have not needed to use that feature however it could be quite advantageous to have ... lol I have to dig into the system to see if its in there.

[@AndrewReynolds1]

How is Cuebase talking to the UI24R?

[@keithtannoya5356]

I have a USB connected directly from the laptop to the front of the unit. The UI24R is also an interface. It can feed your DAW all of the input channels directly. Though I've set it up like this a few times, I'm still working out the patching process. It's not complicated but I have not run the gambit on patching just yet. 😎👍

[@DanielMeza-x1w]

Gain level should be between -24 and -12 for any input, anything higher is way to much for a live gig, manybe for record this is ok, but no way this working for live

[@keithtannoya5356]

I do not differentiate between studio recording and live performances. I set my levels for the best sound quality on every channel. Our studio is set up for live rehearsals, and we also record with the system sometimes... This is what works for us here... 😎👍

[@lekkerkieken65]

To much gain if you ask me.

[@keithtannoya5356]

I love this comment! Too many people want more gain and sacrifice the quality of their sound for it. Here, there's a bit of bite coming into the channel from the instrument and Amp. It has a great sound in the room, but in the mix it can spike. That's one of the reasons why I chose this signal for the video. Playing softly, it can easily become buried. Played harder it will be too hot...