What is Gain Staging?
Gain staging is the process of setting optimal audio levels at each point in your signal chain to maximize sound quality and minimize noise. In podcasting, proper gain staging ensures your recording is loud enough to capture detail but not so hot that it clips or distorts.
The goal is to hit the "sweet spot" at each stage:
- Microphone gain (on your interface/recorder): Set so peaks hit -12dB to -6dB
- Plugin input levels: Keep headroom for processing
- Output levels: Normalize to podcast standards (-16 LUFS for stereo, -19 LUFS for mono)
| Level | Reading | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Too Low | Below -20dB peaks | Adds noise when boosted |
| Optimal | -12dB to -6dB peaks | Clean, full signal |
| Too Hot | Above -3dB peaks | Risk of clipping |
| Clipping | 0dB (red) | Permanent distortion |
Why It Matters
Poor gain staging is one of the most common causes of bad podcast audio. Recording too quietly means you'll amplify noise and hiss when you boost levels in post. Recording too hot causes clipping—harsh digital distortion that can't be fixed. Proper gain staging from the start gives you clean source audio that's easy to edit and sounds professional.
How to Use This in Dispatch
Before recording, do a sound check by speaking at your normal podcast volume (including any louder moments like laughing). Watch your meters and adjust the gain knob on your audio interface until peaks consistently hit between -12dB and -6dB. Leave headroom for unexpected loud moments. If using a USB mic, adjust the gain in your recording software.