gain-staging-and-noise-floor

name	gain-staging-and-noise-floor
description	Use when setting audio levels. Gain staging = optimizing signal from mic to recording.

Gain Staging and Noise Floor

Gain too low = noisy in post; gain too high = clipping. Target peaks at -12 to -6 dBFS. Noise floor below -60 dBFS.

Setting gain

1. Connect mic, monitor with headphones
2. Have subject speak at normal volume
3. Adjust gain so peaks hit -12 to -6 dBFS
4. Avoid yellow/red zone (clipping)
5. Allow headroom for unexpected loud moments
6. Re-check gain when subject moves

Avoiding clipping

Clipping = signal exceeds 0 dBFS, permanent distortion.

Prevention:

1. Set gain conservatively (-12 dBFS for typical speech)
2. Use limiter if camera supports
3. Pad mic if very loud source
4. Two-channel recording (one safety low, one normal)

Noise floor measurement

1. Record 10 seconds of silence (subject quiet, room natural)
2. Check audio level in post (RMS or peak)
3. Quiet environment: -60 dBFS or quieter
4. Acceptable: -50 to -60 dBFS
5. Problematic: -40 dBFS or louder (audible noise)

Lower noise floor = cleaner audio.

Where this fits in the X3 empire

Audio levels discipline for CardPrepAI shoots.