Basic questions - channel and EQ levels

[Ever]

I'm curious about some rules of thumb for mixer levels. I'm mainly interested in regards to recording DJ mixes at home, but feel free to chime in if it contrasts settings while playing out.

I use two CDJ900's and an older Rane MP22z mixer. I'm running through my computer's Line-In and recording with Audacity.

• What should my approach be to setting the levels properly? Should I set the channel faders to somewhere slightly less than 0db, and then adjust Audacity's master IN levels so they stay around -6 to -4 in Audacity?
  
  
• I find my recorded mixes to be a little muddy when compared to "professional" tracks. I keep my EQ's at 0, but do I need to compensate - perhaps because I'm using lower end equipment? Or is it best to leave EQ' at 0 and fix during post-production? I'm yet to explore mastering. For what it's worth, I export default settings to both WAV and MP3 and both are like this. Example below:

https://soundcloud.com/ever111/unpol...ctice-jam-tech

[Jester]

The mixer will have some bearing on the output quality. e.g recordings on our DJM600 sound like shit compared to my Denon. Also recording via a line in is far from ideal, i see a soundcard in your future
As far as your levels go, get your levels set on the mixer and make your recording level adjustments in the software last. It is always better to record a bit quiet instead of "Hot" .. an overall level of -12 to -15db is fine.
I would definitely consider updating your mixer and picking up a soundcard (with inputs)

[Ever]

Thanks Jester!

Regarding "overall level of -12 to -15db" do you mean in Audacity?

I'd love a new mixer! Soon And I figure I can find it with a quick Google search, but is there a rule of thumb (in your opinion) as to what price decent sound cards begin at - IE, a solid improvement over Line In?

Cheers!

[Jester]

Yep, thats what i mean. there is a vid early on in my mastering mixes thread http://forum.djtechtools.com/showthread.php?t=31907
regarding recording through audacity you may find useful.
Probably a couple hundred bucks would get you in a the market for a decent soundcard. I used an Audio 4 for years, if you can find one second hand i'd recommend one for sure.

[Ever]

Read the whole thread, thanks! And I've added the Audio 4 to my list of goodies to research.

Regarding my mixer, is there a rule of thumb where I should keep channel levels? Knowing that I'll keep Audacity to around -12 DB, where should I keep the faders on the mixer? My mixer goes up to +10.

[Jester]

Just keep it all out of the red. As i mentioned, it is better to boost the volume up post mix rather than have to deal with clipping. I tend to stick to a couple of levels below peak on my channels.