I’m a newbie, so I will start out by apologizing if I am asking questions that have been answered 200 times. I did a number of searches trying to find questions similar to mine, but I found nothing so here I am.
I am using Audactity 2.0.6 on a Dell Inspiron XPS14 running Windows 7. I am attempting to convert my library of vinyl LPs to MP3s using an audio-technica turntable. I am using line out and connecting to a U-CONTROL UCA202 2 In/2 Out USB/Audio Interface. This, in turn, is connected to a USB port on the PC. I am able to connect headphones to the U-CONTROL device and hear both channels of audio.
As I am sure you all would agree, Audacity is a very powerful piece of software. As with other pieces of software, power is accompanied by complexity. Being aware of this and being a rookie, I have started by following the various tutorials for Audacity. I have read the section from the Audacity Development Manual on Recording with USB turntables. While my turntable is one with analog outputs, since it is connected to the U-CONTROL device which converts the line level analog data to some kind of a USB signal, I figured I should treat my turntable as a USB device. I have moved on to the tutorials on Copying tapes, LPs or MiniDiscs to CD, and this is where I get stuck on setting up the audio host and playback device.
My original choices for an input device were Microsoft Sound Mapper, Microphone (USB Audio Codec), and Microphone (Realtek High Definition Audio). My initial selection was the Microphone (USB Audio Codec). However, in reading the Tutorial - Selecting Your Recording Device I was referred to the Wiki article on Mixer Toolbar Issues. When I performed the exercise of using the Control Panel to access the system mixer, I was unable to access the system mixer. Furthermore, when I went to the Recording Tab and chose the option to show disabled devices, I was presented with a new device: Stereo Mix (Realtek High Definition Audio). I enabled it and made it my default recording device. Then, Stereo Mix (Realtek High Definition Audio) became an option in my selection. So, my question(s) boil(s) down to which device choices should I make in the Windows Control Panel and in Audacity, and what setting(s) level(s) should I use.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Are you having problems, or is it working OK?
My original choices for an input device were Microsoft Sound Mapper, Microphone (USB Audio Codec), and Microphone (Realtek High Definition Audio). My initial selection was the Microphone (USB Audio Codec).
Assuming you don’t have a USB mic plugged-in, Windows “thinks” your Behringer interface is a USB microphone. Choose the USB device. Make sure Windows and Audacity are set up for stereo (2 channels).
Don’t use Stereo MIx. Stereo Mix records ALL of the sound coming out of your soundcard, including any “beeps” or other Windows sounds. Stereo Mix is one way of recording audio that’s being streamed over the Internet.
and what setting(s) level(s) should I use.
I’m pretty sure Windows & Audacity can’t control the analog gain from the UCA202, so set the recording level at 100%. If it’s too loud and it clips (distorts) it’s the analog-to-digital converter in the UCA202 clipping.
… audio-technica turntable. I am using line out and connecting to a U-CONTROL UCA202 2 In/2 Out USB/Audio Interface.
…I am able to connect headphones to the U-CONTROL device and hear both channels of audio.
Does your turntable have a built-in preamp and line-level outputs? Is the sound in your headphones OK? If it sounds OK, no problem… A “traditional” turntable has no internal electronics and it needs a preamp to bring the signal from the pickup up to line-level and to apply the RIAA equalization. Most turntables with preamps also have USB outputs (so you wouldn’t need the UCA202). BTW - The UFO202 has a phono preamp that can be optionally switched-in.
Thank you for your reply.
I don’t think I am having problems just yet. I plan on testing the setup by using my headphones plugged into the PC and not the UCA202. My presumption is that if I have made the correct selections (USB device as the input-thanks for the tip-and Realtek Speakers as the output), I should hear audio through the headphones when the turntable is playing a record.
My turntable indeed has a built in preamp, and its use is optional. I can select either line out or phono out, with the line out having been processed through the preamp.
With regard to Windows or Audacity controlling the gain, if I go to set the properties for the USB microphone using the Sound applet of Control Panel, there is a tab that lets me set the level from 0 to 100. I presume this is where I follow your suggestion on the Level, DVDdoug.
So, I’ll adopt these settings and give it a whirl. Thanks again.