The invention discloses an optical recording drive for recording data on an optical carrier such as an optical disk of the DVD or BD format. A radiation source is arranged to emit a write pulse train (80) for writing an optically detectable effect (90) i.e. a pit or mark. Photo detection means (10) detects a first reflected radiation beam pulse (R1) from a start time portion of the write pulse train (80) and generates a corresponding first signal (PS1) indicative of the power in the first pulse, the photo detection means (10) further detects a second reflected radiation pulse (R2) from an end time portion of the write pulse train (80) and generates a corresponding second signal (PS2) indicative of the power in the second pulse. By comparing (e.g. the heights of) the first signal (PS1) and the second signal (PS2), it is possible to get an indication of the received power in the optically detectable effect (90) as delivered by a power level (81; 82) in the write pulse train (80) continuously during writing and for a broad range of carrier rotation speeds.