How do I adjust the input recording level?

[BOF]

I know this is a basic question but I'm out of ideas. I've tried using the input level by the mic sign, gain, output level, sound volume (I have a PC with Windows XP) and none of them have the slightest effect on the incoming signal. I'm recording from a Numark USB turntable. Whatever is built into the software to 'clip' the sound is not working because at the pre-set recording level it just sounds terribly distorted.

Any ideas? What am I doing wrong?

[kozikowski]

<<<input level by the mic sign, gain, output level, sound volume>>>

First, it's a bad assumption that the analog level controls will affect digital audio. They don't. If you had an analog turntable instead of USB, those controls would magically start working.

I think I can hear Latham telling you to download the latest sound drivers for your Windows/Sound Card. That appears to be step one in problems like this.

Koz

[BOF]

OK thanks. Maybe not the answer I was hoping for as Audacity came with the turntable. Bit of a waste if you can't use it to control the input! Any other ideas - or does anyone know where I can get the necessary drivers?

[waxcylinder]

What Koz was hinting at in his reply was that when you plug in the Numark USB deck then the Numark takes complete control over the sound input and sound level. You can't choose any alternative input from the drop-down box and you can't adjust the input (mic) slider - well not until you unplug the Numark USB from your PC.

This normally isn't a problem as the Numark should control the level ok without clipping. There is a control that you can use however if you are getting an oversaturated signal - if you look underneath the Numark, at the back, there is a gain control (volume control) a little knurled knob right by where the outputs are situated. This is not very ergonomically sited as it is almost impossible to adjust while you are recording - but it does the job.

Personally I used to use an ION (which is very similar and is also made by Numark). I never had to adjust the gain to avoid clipping - except when I used the ION's 3.5mm jack input to record a couple of tapes I had made off-air a while back.

WC

[BOF]

Thanks for the replies. I called Numark and they explained that none of the controls in Audacity actually work with their usb connection. The secret of the gain control was revealed - but the guy refused to admit that siting it on the underside of the unit was a design fault! I've found that when recording 12" 45rpm records I need the gain turned down half way, but albums need a higher setting. So lots of holding on to the turntable plate as I turn it upside down to make adjustments.

Today I tried recording a cassette using the line in option. Even with the gain full up the sound level is really low. I'm beginning to think the Numark deck is a rip-off, as it's supplied with software whose functionality you can't use and from what I've been reading since I got it, I would probably have been better off just with Audacity and using a deck and amp to the soundcard's line in input

[alatham]

I would probably have been better off just with Audacity and using a deck and amp to the soundcard's line in input

Provided you already had a Turntable, yes, that would have been a better option.