Software used is Windows 7. I am using the Behringer USB and then input to the pc with a reputable soundcard (forgotten which one)! The pc was built specifically for me to digitalize my tape and LP libraries. However, I am concerned that I may be making my recordings incorrectly.
Whatever I am recording onto the pc - reel to reel tape, LP, CD or digital tape, I am having to set the input level to almost zero. Anything higher, as frequently illustrated in the manual, simply leads to too higher a level being recorded. Even recording at an input level close to zero plenty of level is being indicated on the computer. If I increase the level by even a small amount blue turns to red! If you get my meaning.
Am I doing something wrong? Or is this the norm?
I am using the Behringer USB and then input to the pc with a reputable soundcard (forgotten which one)!
You can’t be using both… 
If you’re plugged into the Behringer you’re not using your soundcard (for recording).
Try plugging into your soundcard’s line input. It might be less sensitive than the Behringer. (I’m assuming you have a desktop/tower computer with a “regular” soundcard that has mic-in, line-in, and line/headphone-out.)
I assume you are using one of the Behringer interfaces that does not have a “manual” level/gain knob? Analog line-levels levels are somewhat unpredictable… Some phono cartridges put-out higher signals than others, phono preamps don’t all have the same gain, and it’s the same with tape machines. And, some records & tapes are louder than others.
Even recording at an input level close to zero plenty of level is being indicated on the computer.
If you can keep it out of the red, and if it sounds OK, it’s probably fine. But, it’s a little unusual that all of your analog sources are too “hot”. If it doesn’t sound good, maybe we need to figure-out what’s going on.
…reel to reel tape, LP, CD or digital tape,
You shouldn’t be “recording” CDs. You can stick them in your computer’s CD drive and “rip” them digitally (with CD ripping software).
To DVDdoug, many thanks for breaking down my question into its sections. I will certainly look at the line input as step 1. I note your comment re the sound card. Makes sense as I got the Behringer as part of putting the pc together. Yes you are right that it is a desktop and it does have lines in. On re-reading the Audacity manual I note that the line should be into the blue input. Will check asap.
Thanks re comments about CDs. I was only taking individual songs off for a project. You are right in your assumption that the Behringer interface does not have any control for level/volume. It only has a switch for grams (record player) with earth or all other inputs (reel to reel, DAT, cassette). I also note your comment about phono cartridges. Mine is a good one but fairly standard. As you suggest, the fact that all inputs are “too hot” probably points to either something I have done that has caused the problems - such as incorrect line input - or else there is something wrong with the way the PC was put together.
At this stage I am going to see if it is the former - something I have done. I’ll post my actions in the next few days. Once again, thank you for your comments and advice.
the fact that all inputs are “too hot” probably points to either something I have done that has caused the problems - such as incorrect line input - or else there is something wrong with the way the PC was put together.
There might not be anything “wrong”. It might just be that your signals are a little too hot and your inputs a little too sensitive. It has nothing to do with main part of the computer, it’s the analog levels and/or your soundcard or interface. And, if you are able to get good sound quality it may only be an inconvenience.
I had one computer (with a “soundcard” built into the motherboard) and I couldn’t get the recording volume down to a usable level. My solution was to buy a variety of [u]in-line attnuators[/u]. (The ones I bought were a lot less expensive than those.) [u]This[/u] would also work.
Or, [u]here[/u] is an interface with a built-in phono preamp and an analog gain control. Most [u]USB audio interfaces[/u] have an analog gain control.
To DVDdoug, thank you very much for your advice and suggestions. They are all very helpful. Today I was able to take a second look at the Behringer UF02 and found the volume control. I have since played with it, the output from reel to reel and the Audacity input level. But despite any changes I made to the Behringer or the tape machine, I still find that increasing the Audacity input level above 0.5 simply puts the levels into the red.
I have a feeling that your comments about the possibility that there might not be anything “wrong” very helpful. As you say, the reality is that what’s coming out of the speakers is what counts, although I can record in the red and my speakers don’t care, and yes I am listening off the pc. However, I am going to follow up with your suggestions and will look at both the in line attnuators (?) and the USB audio interfaces, especially the one for a mere $8.
Once again, many thanks. Hopefully, one of these will resolve the main issue.
To DVDdoug, greetings. Further to your comments regarding my problems with recording levels, I have looked at the Axxess AALC 2-ch Remote Level Controller, but cannot see how it would connect with pc or Behringer UFO202 as it only has “female” leads. How do I connect it into the Behringer or back of PC? Surely, I will need “male” leads to either go into the Behringer or straight into the pc. Can I just have a pair of male to male leads and just plug into one of the two output channels (in other words converting one of them into an input channel?
Hope you can advise as I have just gone ahead and bought it!! Or should I have bought the in-line rca attenuator at the same time? Alternatively, do you think I should buy the Lexicon Alpha USB Desktop Recording Studio Lexicon Alpha USB Desktop Recording Studio which you gave a link to. I note that some of them are very expensive and wonder if the Lexicon Alpha USB Desktop Recording Studio (cost $AUD 70.00) will be sufficient.
Sorry to hassle you, but my next step is to take the pc back to the guy who made it and drop it on him!
Cheers DavidM