Tinny audio w/switch to newer laptop/newer Audacity

[jademan]

You are welcome!

[michaeljshaw]

Hi all,

a guy has introduced me to Voicemeeter, and even tech supported me to set up a call through Google Voice,
BUT we didn't resolve how to set up Audacity to pick up the Voicemeeter recording completely.

We could see the Recording meter pick up audio, but there was nothing coming thru the recording.
I'm attaching a couple screenshot, in case it helps.

Koz- any suggestions in Preferences?

thanks!

[steve]

We could see the Recording meter pick up audio

Which "Recording meter"? The one in Audacity?

[michaeljshaw]

Yes- the recording meter at the top middle of Audacity screen. So those levels were moving, but just a flat line on tracks.

[steve]

Try applying the "Amplify" effect (with default settings) to the recorded track to see if there is anything at all there.

[michaeljshaw]

I'll be setting up in a couple hours and can re-test then, but the guy who's tech supporting me is suggesting I use Reaper instead; that's what he uses and he already has the settings for it.

So I'l go ahead and set that up, and at least i'll have a working platform in place in case I can't get the Audacity-to-Voicemeeter configuration to work.

[jademan]

Try applying the "Amplify" effect (with default settings) to the recorded track to see if there is anything at all there.

Hmm.... Also, try View > Track Size > Fit To Width.

[michaeljshaw]

@steve,

yes- there was something there in the recording: the Amplify recommended 50, I did about 36, and levels went up to an audible level, but there's a lot of hiss.
Does that provide any clues as to what might be missing?

thanks!

[steve]

but there's a lot of hiss.

That is to be expected with such a low recording level (amplifying has increased the hiss level by 36 dB, which is a lot).

Does that provide any clues as to what might be missing?

Yes, it says that your recording level is far too low
Unfortunately it does not tell us where we need to increase it.

In VoiceMeeter, how high is the level going in the "Output" meters?
Ideally, all of the meters (input and output) should be going up to -6 dB. It's OK if they go a little higher, but to avoid distortion it is essential that they remain under 0 dB at all times.

Once you have those levels set, adjust the Audacity recording level (if necessary) so that the recording level is around -6 dB and remaining under 0 dB at all times.

[michaeljshaw]

Thanks Steve!

Will check those db levels as soon as I get the recording setup going again.