Problem with playback while recording

[alpharok]

When I press RECORD to add a new audio track to a file (song) that already contains at least one audio track, the playback of the previously recorded track(s) is distorted.

I'm using the Lexicon Alpha unit.

[Gale Andrews]

When I press RECORD to add a new audio track to a file (song) that already contains at least one audio track, the playback of the previously recorded track(s) is distorted.

I'm using the Lexicon Alpha unit.

Please don't send private messages asking for help - posting in the Forum is all you need to do

This is a common problem when you overdub with audio interfaces. It usually means there is a mismatch between the sample rate of the first file (the rate in Hz, above the mute/solo buttons), the project rate bottom left of the Audacity screen, and the sample rate the Lexicon wants to work at. All those rates have to match. See this page in the Wiki for help.

The other thing you have to check is that you have proper drivers for the Lexicon. Obtain the drivers installer "AlphaInstaller2.6.exe" and the manual for the device (if you don't have it already) here.



Gale

[alpharok]

Thanks

Setting the Audacity project rate to 48000 Hz seems to have cleared it up

[gakir77]

Greetings!

I too, have a distortion issue on previously recorded tracks while trying to record. I tried all the fixes you recomended, none worked.

It's as if, after hitting the record button, the gain is increased and the recorded track is accompanied by a loud hissing. It's almost as if the track is quadrupled.

My son's Vista laptop doesn't do this. I matched my settings with his, but to no avail.

Core 2 duo, XP, 3G RAM, Lexicon Alpha with newly installed driver.

Thanks ... Gary

[Gale Andrews]

Greetings!

I too, have a distortion issue on previously recorded tracks while trying to record. I tried all the fixes you recomended, none worked.

It's as if, after hitting the record button, the gain is increased and the recorded track is accompanied by a loud hissing. It's almost as if the track is quadrupled.

My son's Vista laptop doesn't do this. I matched my settings with his, but to no avail.

Core 2 duo, XP, 3G RAM, Lexicon Alpha with newly installed driver.

You have to match your settings, not his. Make sure everything really matches. Are all the previous tracks at the project rate, and is the project rate at a rate the Alpha supports or is set to (44100 or 48000 Hz)?

Are you playing back to the Alpha or to some other device?

Are you recording only what you are recording, or recording the distortion as well?

Are you using Audacity 1.2? If so try the latest Beta instead (click the Audacity icon top left of the Forum) though this is probably the least likely to help.




Gale

[gakir77]

Hi Gale,

Everything (rates) matches (44100). I generated a click track, then tried to record to it, and get distortion and massive hiss. The distortion is not recording, it only occurs on the click track and is not distorted on playback.

I am going from a v-amp (stereo) into the alpha, and out to the PC via USB (recording 2 tracks stereo). Also out of the alpha into either headphones or studio monitors (same distortion).

Sorry about all of this, I love the program!

[Gale Andrews]

Is this 64-bit XP? If so the specs. say Alpha isn't compatible.

As some tests:

a) Does using Audacity Beta help? In the Devices Preferences, you can choose WIndows DirectSound for "host", which sometimes cures this problem (1.2 only offers the MME API).

b) If you exported the click track as a WAV is it possible to monitor that as it plays in Windows Media Player while recording into Audacity? Or will it only accept playback from a device it's recording from? Again I ask because occasionally playing in another application seems to make a difference.




Gale