Low output volume after recording

Audacity 3 Help Forum Windows
1

Hi all,

sorry if this has already been discussed, but I can’t find a discussion with the exact same problem as i have.
I was recording a mix from regular DJ CDJ’s and Behringer Mixer, using a Behringer UFO202 audio interface USB to connect the output of my mixer to the input of my laptop.

When starting to record, I noticed that I had to bring the MIC level down to around 0.10, or else I would have a really distorted sound, and the recording level would be way over -12 to -6, which are the recommended levels.
This seemed very low to me. After recording, I normalised and amplified my mix to get my output volume up a bit, but even after exporting it as WAV of MP3, the output volume was low, I would say around 50% of what it should be, if I compare it to other volumes played at my pc.

I noticed that the wave-form wasn’t as high as it could be when recording (maybe round 70%), which probably results in the huge volume difference. But if I change gain or master volumes on my mixer, or the MIC level to boost the volume up, the sound becomes distorted because of the recording level being too high.

I’ve been searching for possible solutions, tried different settings, etc, but nothing really helped.
So I would REALLY appreciate it if someone came with a solution :slight_smile:

Thanks in advance, and sorry for possible mistakes in my English.
Here is a mix I made, where you could notice the low volume.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUES-K715lY

Greets

2

After recording, I normalised and amplified my mix to get my output volume up a bit

The Amplify effect will scan your file and then default to whatever gain is needed for 0dB peaks. For example, if Amplify defaults to +3dB, the highest peak in your program is -3dB. If you apply that gain your file is normalized (or “maximized”) and the peak will be 0dB.

But if you record an entire DJ program, there may be only one or two 0dB peaks. That peak could be the loudest part of the loudest song, or during a crossfade where two songs are mixed. Or worst-case, it could be a “click” from a vinyl record, or a “thump” from a needle-drop or from bumping-into the microphone, etc.

If there are a few parts limiting the volume, try using the Envelope Tool to fade the loudest parts down a bit. (Then normalize again to bring-up the overall volume). Or, you can try the Compressor effect.

and the recording level would be way over -12 to -6, which are the recommended levels.

That should be OK, but for “home recording” I’d generally shoot for -6 to -3dB. If you “try” to go over 0dB your analog-to-digital converter will clip (distort). If the signal is too weak your signal-to-noise ratio can suffer.

You can always boost the volume after recording. Reducing the volume after recording does not remove clipping. So, it’s better for the level to be too low than to be too high.

3

Thanks I’ll try it out in the next couple of days, thanks great answer!