Low Audio Levels when imported - Fix?

Hey All,

So for a while now I've been battling with input level from my Audio Mixer (Sound Devices 633) into FCPX.

Basically, the problem I'm having is that I'll record the level of audio on my 633 aiming for the 'Analogue' 0dBu level as recommended per manufacturers instructions to avoid peaks/clipping but when I import to FCPX the level always comes in really low. Like -18dB--20dB below when on my mixer I'm recording at the correct level.

I normally correct this with a simple 'Gain' plugin adding 20dB to the level which works a treat with no loss of quality. I'm sure I'm not recording too low on my mixer as it would clip all the time if I recorded at a higher level. Is this normal or am I'm doing something wrong here? Is there a way in FCPX to get around this?

Thanks,

Alex

Note:
I think this may have something to do with the analog(dBu) to digital(dBFS) Meter readings as per this Apple advisory:
documentation.apple.com/en/finalcutpro/u...ction=1%26tasks=true
Analog 0 dB Versus Digital 0 dBFS
Even though audio is exclusively digital in Final Cut Pro, it is likely that your audio will exist in an analog context at some point. Most digital workflows begin with microphones and end with speakers, which are both analog devices.

On an analog meter, 0 dB is the optimal recording or output level of a device. If the voltage is much higher, the signal may distort. If the voltage is much lower, the signal may be lost in the noise inherent in the device. On a digital meter, 0 dBFS refers to the highest audio level allowed before clipping.

When you look at the meters in Final Cut Pro, you need to consider how the signal level will correspond to an analog meter. Specifically, you need to choose a point on the digital meter that corresponds to 0 dB on an analog meter. This point is where your average signal level should be, providing headroom for occasional peaks. Headroom is particularly important in digital audio because any audio that goes beyond 0 dBFS during export or output instantly clips and sounds distorted.

The level you choose for your average audio level affects the potential dynamic range of your mix. The lower your average signal is allowed to be, the greater the difference between the average and loudest sounds, providing a larger dynamic range. However, you should also choose an average level that allows a significant difference between your quietest sounds and the noise floor.

There are several common digital levels used to correspond to 0 dB on an analog meter:

-12 dBFS: This level is often used for 16-bit audio such as DV audio, and for projects with compressed dynamic ranges, such as those for television or radio.
-18 or -20 dBFS: This level is more common on projects with higher dynamic range, such as professional post-production workflows using 20- or 24-bit audio.

Anybody?

Thanks.