Recording question!! (w/mp3 example)

firestar · #1 (**permalink**) Dec 23, 05

So, i'm trying to record a new mix. I usually use an external cd recorder, but this time I really wanted to go straight to wav/mp3. I'm running an RCA out the 'tape' output of the mixer (that's what behringer uses for audio out, I guess), Y split into one input in the 'audio in' on the soundcard. This is a soundcard that records in stereo even though it only has one input. Running straight through sound forge 7. 16 bit @ 44100. No matter what method I use (vinyl/cd/sampler) it records this horrible recording with hardly any bass, and clipped to shit.. WTF am I doing wrong? Have a listen to the mp3..

Sound_3.mp3

PS The track's bass is supposed to cancel a bit, it's really bass heavy, but that's not the problem, it sounds the same w/every record. I'm a bit of a novice obviously so any help greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Andrew

Royal_Phunk · #2 (**permalink**) Dec 23, 05

o mighty wavelab say

The audio-card output could not be set to this sample rate: 22050 Hz

Either the card does not support this sample rate, or it is in slave-mode hence its sample rate cannot be changed / played by WaveLab.

mux · #3 (**permalink**) Dec 23, 05

Are you sure that's a LINE input on your soundcard, and not a MIC input?

A mic input would sound shitty like you're talking about.

BenGiovanni · #4 (**permalink**) Dec 23, 05

hahah master out from mixer to line in on the computer, make sure in your volume control you set the recording setting too..
if you dont youll have msn bleeps being recorded aswell (learned that too many times haha)

firestar · #5 (**permalink**) Dec 23, 05

Yeah when I use the mic in it's super ugly loud and distorts, and the regular audio in is shitty sounding and quiet. It almost sounds like it's recording at 22050, or even less.. that's what I thought at first, that even though soundforge says it's recording @ 44100 there's a master somewhere I haven't changed?

Stupid!

edit: checked all the master controls, nothing out of the ordinary, I can't even find where you would change the sample rate or bit depth..

Is this the best way of doing this? Because this has been nothing but a giant pain in the ass so far..

optimum sound · #6 (**permalink**) Dec 24, 05

What soundcard do you have? If you have a soundblaster try using this software

http://kxproject.lugosoft.com/index.php?skip=1

it works much better than the software soundblaster comes with, its very easy to use and has many options for setting input levels.
Another idea is maybe try different wires or a different program.

dabbler · #7 (**permalink**) Dec 24, 05

you only have a TAPE OUT? what about the master out?

mux · #8 (**permalink**) Dec 24, 05

No, the 'tape output' of a Behringer mixer should be fine, it's supposed to be a line-level signal.

I'm curious about your "splitter"... is there a chance it's screwed up somehow? Are you using a standard 1/8" "headphone" connector => 2xRCA connector cable? Or are you using some kinda RCA=>1/8" adapter? If so, that might be the problem...

Apart from that, maybe your mixer outputs a volume too great for your soundcard... have you tried simply turning it down, just as a test? I know Mackie mixers at 0dB output *far* more than your standard Yorkville amp wants... that was a hard-won lesson. :)

firestar · #9 (**permalink**) Dec 24, 05

Quote:

Originally Posted by mux

No, the 'tape output' of a Behringer mixer should be fine, it's supposed to be a line-level signal.

I'm curious about your "splitter"... is there a chance it's screwed up somehow? Are you using a standard 1/8" "headphone" connector => 2xRCA connector cable? Or are you using some kinda RCA=>1/8" adapter? If so, that might be the problem...

Apart from that, maybe your mixer outputs a volume too great for your soundcard... have you tried simply turning it down, just as a test? I know Mackie mixers at 0dB output *far* more than your standard Yorkville amp wants... that was a hard-won lesson. :)

Yeah behringer says the 'tape out' is what to use for recording. As for the splitter, it's simply a 1/8" male to rca male. No adaptors. It's not that because I tried the same thing with different cables and it still fucked up. It's not the cables I don't think.

When I originally did the recording the levels on the mixer were quiet, I did turn everything down as even at low levels, sound forge said it was clipping so I had to keep it under a certain volume so it wouldn't clip. Maybe my sound-card is shit.. it's generic, so I wouldn't be suprised, the behringer is the 5 channel djm 600 clone, so maybe it's simply overpowering the soundcard?

firestar · #10 (**permalink**) Dec 24, 05

Quote:

Originally Posted by dabbler

you only have a TAPE OUT? what about the master out?

I'm going to try the master out tonight, maybe my 'tape' out is f'ed. I'm still trying to figure out if this is a software or hardware problem..

So bizump. Anyone else have some input?

P.A.R.T.Y · #11 (**permalink**) Dec 27, 05

I think you should click on your volume icon and go to recording and set the level, see what's muted and whats on. Then check Soundforge to make sure it's recording as a WAV. file and not MP3. Finally, your mixer should be level, not cranked, your soundcard, mixer and software are designed to record properly. If nothing work, then you need a new soundcard.

nabs · #12 (**permalink**) Dec 27, 05

dont use the master out, use the recording output. and plus make sure you are plugging it into the right area. meaning the line in, input. and use a good program, that makes a big difference sumtimes.

firestar · #13 (**permalink**) Dec 27, 05

I figured it out (Thanks to the lovely <mouse~ who happens to be an audio tech back in the day...) Who knew the GF was an audio tech back in good ol Australia! haha!

Turns out I had the master (computer), slave (soundforge) and mixer levels way off. With a ton of fiddling with them all, I got the levels right. Thanks to all with their help.