This is great, really helpful to all who replied. Muchos gracias
When you refer to a converter's 0dbVU being at -18dbFS, does that basically mean that -18dbFS is the point at which all the 'bits are used'? I know the myth about having to record hot to fill up the bit depth being rubbish, but for the purposes of dynamic range, so for example wanting as much of the snare drum to tape as possible, would you say that -18dbFS is the point at which you are using all your 'bits', or have I misunderstood this?
Cheers for help, much appreciated.
Al