ITU Input Ref Level

Alright you audio professionals….

I am trying to figure out the idea behind setting this part of Breakaway Live for the best audio. If you click on Settings at the top of the main window, you get the Signal Settings box. In the middle column, under I/O Config, Add Delay there’s this ITU Input Ref Level slider.

Here’s my setup, as coached by the brilliant JesseG. Winamp, using MP3Gain’d songs at 85db. In Winamp’s RG (replaygain) settings, I have it set to Track with Apply Gain/Prevent Clipping and adjustment for files without RG to -6db as well as RG Preamp set to -6db.

I’ve been experimenting with the ITU level slider and don’t really grasp the idea. The name suggests I should see what the average input level into Breakaway is (furthest left meter on the standard Meters view on the main window). I see the peaks around -18 to -12 db (a little more varied now that I’m all Christmas) and the RMSgoing between -30db and -24. Do I set the input ref level at the peak levels or the RMS levels? If RMS, then do I want the levels to just barely rise to the white ref level line on the meter? Do I want that to be a mid-point so the RMS levels commonly rise above the line? Do I want it lower so that the RMS levels hardly ever go below the line?

I guess I just want the optimal setting for the best sound and level control.

That’s my other question. What affect does sliding this around actually have on the sound? Is it a control for gating? Is it a further control for the main window’s Range control? What is happening to the sound as I change this setting. My poor ears just cannot pick it out as I don’t know what I’m actually listening for.

Thanks for all your help!