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Recording levels

I record live orchestral concerts using a Tascam DR-100 and Tandy/Realistic PZMs. I have to use these mics for various reasons including the layout of the venue and the need to carry both musical instrument and recording gear. Mics have 1/4 inch jacks and are connected to the DR-100 using XLR adapters. Recording settings WAV, 16 bit, 44.1 sampling frequency.

Help me optimize recording levels for vocals / speaches

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Hi Pros…

Help me optimize recording levels for vocals / speaches

My background:
I know just enough to do volunteer work at a religious institute. And I have been doing it for long time.

Work I do:
I record spiritual discourses. It’s always one speaker – male with a deep bass voice.

Recording levels and how they vary with bit rate/sample freq

I was wondering what the standard db level to record at was and whether it varies with bit rate and sample frequency? I've always tried to record at the highest level possible with out any distortion (around -6db); but i just read an article stating that at 24/192 it's best to have you recording peak at -12db Any ideas?

James