Recording Head Room

[darkfrett]

What is meant by "overhead" or "head room"?

[Neal Walter]

Hi darkfrett,

This usually refers to the amount of room you have left to increase the volume without distorting.

Technically speaking:
"the amount of decibel output that can be spared from where your signal is, and the maximum signal level without opening distortion into the mix."

from:
http://homerecording.about.com/od/recordingglossary/g/def_headroom.htm

[hpcrazy]

Its how Neal is saying - the normal headroom you have is 0.5 - 1 DB. The headroom is needed to work with dynamic processors such as compessors, maximizers or others.

HP

[darkfrett]

Hi darkfrett,

This usually refers to the amount of room you have left to increase the volume without distorting.

Technically speaking:
"the amount of decibel output that can be spared from where your signal is, and the maximum signal level without opening distortion into the mix."

from:
http://homerecording.about.com/od/recordingglossary/g/def_headroom.htm


Great! That is easy to understand and defines it so well. I know exactly what you are saying.

Thanks,
df

[darkfrett]

Its how Neal is saying - the normal headroom you have is 0.5 - 1 DB. The headroom is needed to work with dynamic processors such as compessors, maximizers or others.

HP


Now this reply answers my very next question. (mind readers) The 0.5db - 1.0db seems a little small. But, I guess using a compressor or limitor it would work. What about if you do not use a limitor or compressor, what should the db be? I'm guessing -6.0db?

With using a computer, I can record right and left channel, no more at least with my setup. In my case I will be going back to record several more tracks one at a time. If I choose to record with a tape deck, does each aditional recording add to the signal pushing it into distortion? Should I start with lower db's then by the time I add all the tracks, the level would still be under the distotion level?

Thanks,
df


Thanks,
df