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Why am I experiencing clipping in a 32-bit float recording with the NT1 5th Gen?

  • Updated

When recording with the NT1 5th Gen in 32 bit float mode, you may still hear clipping while monitoring your audio. In most cases, this only affects the monitoring signal and not the recorded audio.

This guide explains why clipping can occur during monitoring and when it may indicate that the microphone's maximum sound pressure level has been exceeded.

Check Your Recording Settings

Before troubleshooting, confirm that both the NT1 5th Gen and your recording software are configured for 32 bit float recording.

Please note: Not all digital audio workstations support 32 bit float recording. Refer to your software documentation to confirm compatibility.

Clipping While Monitoring

If you hear clipping while monitoring your recording:

  1. Reduce the microphone input gain in your recording software.
  2. Continue recording as normal.
Tip: In 32 bit float mode, clipped monitoring audio does not necessarily mean the recording itself is clipped. You can usually adjust the recorded audio afterwards to restore the correct level.

Recording Extremely Loud Sound Sources

If you are recording a very loud sound source, it is possible that the sound level has exceeded the microphone's maximum sound pressure level.

The NT1 5th Gen has a maximum SPL of 142 dB, which is exceptionally high. This limit is typically only reached when recording extremely loud sources or when the microphone is positioned very close to the sound source.

Please note: Exceeding the microphone's maximum SPL can produce genuine distortion that cannot be corrected in post production, even when recording in 32 bit float mode.

For more information about the NT1 5th Gen, please see our NT1 5th Gen User Guide.

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