Headroom Calculator

Calculate available headroom in your signal chain from microphone through preamp, converter, and DAW. Identify clipping risks.

Results

Visualization

How It Works

Gain staging ensures no component in the signal chain clips while maintaining good signal-to-noise ratio. Mic sensitivity (dBV/Pa) tells you the output at 94 dB SPL (1 Pascal). Add the difference from 94 dB to get the output at your source level. Then add preamp gain. Compare the result to your converter's 0 dBFS point. Aim for peaks at -12 to -6 dBFS in your DAW — there is no benefit to recording hotter with 24-bit. Keep 12-20 dB of headroom for unexpected peaks.