When you feed a signal into any audio recording system, including Pro Tools | First, make sure to adjust the input level to optimize the dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio of the recorded file. If the input level is too low, you will not take full advantage of the dynamic range of your Pro Tools | First system. If the input level is too high, the signal can clip and distort the recording. Set the input levels on your audio interface high, but not high enough to clip.

As a general rule of thumb, try to set levels so that they peak within –3 dB to –12 dB on the input meter without triggering the clipping indicator (if any) on your audio interface. Depending on the type of material you are recording and its dynamic range and peak content, you may want to record with higher or lower levels.