In part 2 of the Gain Staging Basics series I look at a simple method of dealing with Direct Input (DI) instruments or mics. How to reduce the volume (using the JS Utility Volume Plug-in) prior to hitting the faders to ensure that you signal isn’t too hot and you have plenty of headroom for the mixing stage.
I also cover setting up a track template to save time on future tracks.
While this tutorial is in Reaper DAW the theory should hold true for any Digital Audio Workstation and should be part of your recording and mixing process when working in your Home Recording Studio.