7 Tips to Get Better Recordings with PreSonus Capture

7 Tips to Get Better Recordings with PreSonus CaptureRecording with PreSonus Capture can be fast and convenient, but getting consistently great results requires attention to technique, setup, and workflow. Below are seven practical tips to help you capture cleaner, more musical takes whether you’re recording a live band, a solo singer, or a field interview.

1. Choose the Right Device and Sample Rate

PreSonus Capture runs on iOS devices and on Mac/Windows when used with Studio One via Capture for StudioLive hardware. For best audio quality, use a modern iPad or iPhone with sufficient CPU and storage, or a reliable computer for larger sessions.

• Use at least 44.1 kHz / 24-bit when recording most music — this balances fidelity and file size.
• Opt for 48 kHz / 24-bit if you plan to sync audio to video or work in film/post production.
• Avoid lower bit depths (16-bit) unless you have strict storage limits.

2. Optimize Your Input Chain

A clean input signal is the foundation of a good recording.

• Use a quality microphone appropriate for the source (dynamic mics like the Shure SM57/SM58 for loud instruments, condensers for vocals and acoustic instruments).
• Place the mic with intent — experiment with distance and angle to reduce room reflections and capture the desired tone.
• If using a preamp or audio interface (StudioLive mixers, for example), set gain so peaks sit around -6 to -12 dBFS — avoid clipping.
• Use high-quality XLR cables and minimize cable runs when possible.

3. Monitor and Set Levels Properly

Monitoring during tracking lets you catch problems early.

• Use headphones or nearfield monitors to listen for distortion, noise, or unintended room sound.
• Keep headphone mix comfortable for performers; latency can unsettle takes, so use low-latency monitoring solutions when available.
• Use Capture’s input meters and aim for consistent level across takes. If your interface supports pad/trim controls, use them to avoid overload on hot sources.

4. Reduce Noise at the Source

Noise reduction in post is a last resort. Reduce noise before it’s recorded.

• Treat the recording environment: close windows, switch off noisy appliances, and use rugs or acoustic panels to tame reflections.
• For field recordings, use windscreens and position mics to minimize unwanted ambient noise.
• Engage high-pass filters on sources where low-frequency rumble is unnecessary (e.g., vocals, acoustic guitars). If your interface or mic has a filter, enable it; otherwise apply lightly in Studio One later.

5. Use Proper Gain Staging and Headroom

Maintain headroom to preserve transients and avoid digital clipping.

• Set preamp gains so loudest passages peak well below 0 dBFS — -6 to -3 dBFS is a safe target for energetic music.
• When recording multiple tracks, leave additional headroom for bus processing and mixing.
• If you must record very loud sources, use pads on mics or preamps or move the mic further away.

6. Take Advantage of Capture Features and Workflow

PreSonus Capture has features designed for fast, reliable tracking — learn and use them.

• Use Capture’s track naming and take markers to stay organized during sessions. Clear labeling saves time later.
• Familiarize yourself with QuickPunch or punch-in recording workflows if you need to fix small sections without redoing full takes.
• Sync Capture sessions to Studio One for a seamless transfer into a full mixing environment. This preserves track assignments and metadata, accelerating the mix stage.

7. Prepare for Post: File Management and Backup

Good post-recording habits protect your work and speed up mixing.

• Immediately back up session files to an external drive or cloud storage. Capture sessions can be exported or synced with Studio One — keep multiple copies.
• Consolidate takes and export rough mixes if you need client review. Naming conventions like YYYYMMDD_Project_TakeNumber help maintain order.
• When exporting stems or handing files off, include a short session notes file (tempo, sample rate, mic list, any processing used) to help whoever mixes the session.

Conclusion Applying these seven tips will noticeably improve the quality and reliability of your recordings with PreSonus Capture. Focus on clean inputs, sensible levels, thoughtful mic placement, and a tidy workflow — the technical foundation lets the musical performance shine.