Static while recording, sometimes

[sombunya]

When Koz said “There are two sound channels there, but they are identical. So if you think you’re capturing the work in stereo, you’re not.”, a light went on.

I started following links provided and reading. Then I unplugged one of the RCA jacks on the back of my A to D converter. No change. (feeling really stupid right now) I’ve been recording in Dual Mono.

After lots of computer gymnastics way above my pay grade I think I have it working properly, at least recording in true stereo. I will go through the Audacity manuals to see how to balance my input channels without using the “equalize” function. Seems I was advised against this a while back. And I do remember on my old XP machine the levels definitely moved independently of each other. Not so with this new Dell, until now.

If not for this forum and your help I’d be fumbling along still doing everything very wrong. If it was feasible, I’d take you all out to a nice lunch. Right now I still have more work and learning to do.

Thanks to all who have contributed here.

[Gale_Andrews]

@hellosailor

Just a thought: IIRC when I first loaded Vista, the default USB audio settings were for MONO oddly enough. Might be worth checking the advanced properties for the USB sound device to make sure it is set for stereo. (I know, the OP is running Win7, but could still be worth checking.)

Thanks. Yes, it’s exactly the same for Windows 7, and the solution is clearly stated in the Manual page for USB turntables (and other USB capture devices) Audacity Manual .

I don’t recall - are you recording with Windows DirectSound “Host” in Audacity and both Windows “Exclusive Mode” boxes checked? See Missing features - Audacity Support .


Gale

[sombunya]

@Gale Andrews

I don’t recall - are you recording with Windows DirectSound “Host” in Audacity and both Windows “Exclusive Mode” boxes checked? See Missing features - Audacity Support . Gale

Yes to both.

Let me say this, after carefully going over the settings via the links you provided I am recording vinyl and the results are perfect. Although I am using Audacity in a very limited manner with regards to its potential, I really can’t ask for more. I am going to pronounce this thread closed.

I deeply appreciate all the help, Gale and Koz. Thank you.

[Gale_Andrews]

@sombunya

@Gale Andrews

I don’t recall - are you recording with Windows DirectSound “Host” in Audacity and both Windows “Exclusive Mode” boxes checked? See Missing features - Audacity Support . Gale

Yes to both.

Let me say this, after carefully going over the settings via the links you provided I am recording vinyl and the results are perfect. Although I am using Audacity in a very limited manner with regards to its potential, I really can’t ask for more. I am going to pronounce this thread closed.

So, did you change the “host” or “exclusive mode” and it helped?

I would wait a few days before pronouncing “closed”, especially with an intermittent problem.


Gale

[sombunya]

Gale,

I don’t recall changing the “host” or “exclusive mode”. I only remember changing the stereo mix in the recording devices to 2 channel 16 bit 44100 HZ in the advanced tab.

It is working well and I’m just tweaking it a bit using split stereo and amplifying one channel. I’m sorry I cannot provide you a better answer.

I’ll record another 10-20 albums and report back here how it goes. Should be fine.

Thanks again.