Our ears are finely tuned instruments, capable of perceiving an incredibly wide range of volume levels and frequencies. But for our ears to work their best in the studio, we need to manage volume levels…too quiet and the ears’ frequency response changes. Too loud and not only does response change, but there is danger of permanent hearing damage.
For best results, keep your volume level consistent from session to session, and keep the volume the same as a mix or track changes volume. The tool for doing this? The level or dB meter. Every studio needs one sitting right there on the desk or console, displaying exactly what’s happening volume-wise and keeping our ears honest and safe!