Clipping and distortion - but haven't changed anything

Audacity Help Forum Windows
1

Hi folks,

Audacity version is 2.3.3
Operating system is Windows 10 (version 1903, build 18362.592)

Problem - I’ve been using Audacity for a few years now without issue. However I attempted to record a mix today and no matter what I do, the recording is clipped and is then completely distorted on playback. Adjusting the microphone volume or on the mixer makes no difference to the outcome - it just produces a flat topped waveform at different levels. I have checked the sound settings on the laptop and these seem to be no different to normal. There is no distortion on other audio programs such as Media Player. I can only assume I have changed a setting in Audacity somehow but I cannot work out what.

Equipment - I am recording 320kbps mp3s using Pioneer CDJ850s and a Pioneer DJM-300 mixer; I have a Behringer U-PHONO UFO202 interface running between the output of the mixer and my laptop (connected via USB port). In Audacity the input is set to Microphone (USB Audio Codec).

Hopefully this image also provides some assistance:

https://ibb.co/M1n4G6V

Thanks in advance and apologies - I’m sure it’s something really obvious but I just can’t work it out.

2

Since it’s clipping below 1.0 (= 0dB = 100%) I’d guess the analog circuitry in the mixer is clipping.

First, make sure your UFO202 is set to line, not phono. But I don’t think that’s it, because that should clip the DAC inside the interface at 0dB.

Adjusting the microphone volume or on the mixer makes no difference

Is that the microphone input clipping? What’s plugged in?

Is the analog output from the mixer OK (Headphones or line-out)?

Make sure you’ve plugged your CDJ850s into a line input, not a phono input.

You can also try a CD player directly into the Behringer to rule-out or rule-in the mixer.