Wave image small, sound inaudible

[Robintwilliams]

I am recording LPs from a Crosley turntable. First one sounded fine and the wave image was broad, -1 to +1. After that, using several different records, I saw only a barely perceptible wave above and below the 0 line. The sound was inaudibleI unless I cranked up the dbs, then the hiss etc. was unbearable. Did I hit some key or setting that changed the recording values? I'm using max value for incoming volume. I appreciate any troubleshooting advice or direction to resources. I have looked through the manual.

[Gale Andrews]

I am recording LPs from a Crosley turntable. First one sounded fine and the wave image was broad, -1 to +1. After that, using several different records, I saw only a barely perceptible wave above and below the 0 line. The sound was inaudibleI unless I cranked up the dbs, then the hiss etc. was unbearable. Did I hit some key or setting that changed the recording values? I'm using max value for incoming volume. I appreciate any troubleshooting advice or direction to resources. I have looked through the manual.

-6 dB on Meter Toolbar, and +/- 0.5 on the scale to left of the waveform is a good safe aim for the maximum recorded level (it gives you some leeway to go over).

I don't know what you mean by "cranked up the dbs". Mac OS X does not normally let you modify the input level of USB recording devices.

Perhaps you want to restart the computer or check if the USB cable is loose, or check if the input in Audacity Device Toolbar is still set to "USB Audio CODEC".


Gale

[Robintwilliams]

Actually, one thing I did to increase the volume was "normalize." THeN the hiss etc. was overpowering. When you say -6 on the db meter, is that the slider on the left below the words mute and solo? That's where I cranked up the dbs, to something like +10 or 15.

In any event, things seem to be working ok today. I guess the system reset itself when I shut it down overnight. Sorry to take your time helping a beginner, but I appreciate it. I really am trying to use the manual but the vocabulary is a big challenge for a neophyte like me.

[Gale Andrews]

Actually, one thing I did to increase the volume was "normalize." THeN the hiss etc. was overpowering.

That is expected if you recorded at a really low level. You need peaks of around half height or a bit more on the Audacity waveform.

When you say -6 on the db meter, is that the slider on the left below the words mute and solo? That's where I cranked up the dbs, to something like +10 or 15.

That -....+ slider below Mute / Solo only makes the audio louder or softer after recording, so that is no more a solution than Normalize.

Normally you would use the right-hand slider on Mixer Toolbar:


to adjust the loudness of what you were recording. But you cannot use that slider on Mac when recording from most USB recording devices. Have a look on or under the turntable to see if it has a knob to regulate the output volume.

When you are recording, look in the red part of Meter Toolbar:


to see what the level is. The -6 dB "good, safe level" is there (see where the blue maximum peak lines are in the image above). -6 dB is the same level as "half-height" (0.5) on the waveform.

You don't have to record to check the level. Get your input going into Audacity, then click in the recording meter and it will show you the same red bars, but without recording.

I really am trying to use the manual but the vocabulary is a big challenge for a neophyte like me.

Many phrases in the Manual are in blue, for links to other pages. You can click the links at any time to find out more about what that phrase means or what it does.


Gale

[frisbee]

Having similar problem here with streamed audio (e.g. from radio replay via webpage): v. small wave image, sound audible, but v. low even if input and output levels set at max. No problem recording direct from radio/tape/turntable.

[steve]

Having similar problem here with streamed audio (e.g. from radio replay via webpage): v. small wave image, sound audible, but v. low even if input and output levels set at max. No problem recording direct from radio/tape/turntable.

Are you using SoundFlower?
See hee in the manual: http://manual.audacityteam.org/o/man/tu ... n_mac.html

[frisbee]

Yes, using Soundflower: have followed steps in Audacity manual but can't get input signal up.

[steve]

Perhaps this SoundFlower tutorial will help: http://cycling74.com/2012/04/02/expand- ... undflower/

[billw58]

Try this somewhat expanded tutorial in the on line manual: http://manual.audacityteam.org/man/Tuto ... ack_on_Mac

Here's the thing that trips up most people: you need to set Soundflower as the output device in System Preferences/Sound/Output. You can then set Soundflower as the input to Audacity.

-- Bill

[frisbee]

Done all that: still no explanation of difference between direct input (e.g. from radio) and streaming (e.g. from iPlayer) or how to correct it