What recording levels should I shoot for in Logic Pro when recording live music?

When recording live music in Logic Pro, the primary goal is to capture a clean signal with ample headroom to prevent irreversible digital clipping, while also ensuring the signal is strong enough to avoid a high noise floor. This practice is known as gain staging. Here are the recommended recording levels and best practices: 1. Aim for Peak Levels between -12 dBFS and -6 dBFS. When recording, monitor your input meters in Logic Pro and adjust the gain on your audio interface's preamps so that the loudest parts (peaks) of your signal hit between -12 dBFS and -6 dBFS. This provides sufficient headroom (the space between your signal's peak and 0 dBFS, the digital clipping point) for unexpected louder moments in a live performance and for subsequent mixing and mastering. 2. Target Average (RMS) Levels around -18 dBFS to -20 dBFS. While peak levels are critical to avoid clipping, paying attention to your average (RMS) level is also beneficial. Many sources suggest aiming for average levels around -18 dBFS to -20 dBFS, which corresponds to 0 VU in traditional analog systems. This provides a healthy signal-to-noise ratio without running too hot. 3. Utilize 24-bit Recording Depth. Modern audio interfaces and Logic Pro typically record at 24-bit depth, which offers a vast dynamic range (around 144 dB). This means you don't need to record extremely loud to overcome the noise floor, allowing you to maintain conservative levels and prioritize headroom.