Distortions with very low level

[baltas]

Hi,

I am using Audacity 1.2.6 to record thru line-in from turntable. I set input volume on slide-bar very low (1.5 - 2.0), otherwise there are distortions.
When there are distortions on level e.g. 2.0, I reduce level to 1.8, perform test recording and on the graph everything looks ok. So I am choosing new project, start recording but though level is still 1.8 distortions appear like with previous setting (2.0). This way I can set level at almost 0 and there are still distortions.
Do you have any hints what to do? Maybe signal from turntable is too strong?

Regards,
baltas

[kozikowski]

There are problems with USB turntables and one of the symptoms is distorted sound. It's not really "straight" distorted as much as the USB data stream carrying the audio is falling apart. In the Mac forum, we tell people to use the Mac Line-In and the analog cables from the turntable. You can do that, too, if you're on a deskside PC with a Line-In connector.

If you're on a PC laptop, then it's a lot harder. Look for a Line-In connector. Some PC laptops have them.

Koz

[baltas]

I use classic turntable and analog cables to line-in. Strange thing is that I must operate withing very low range of volume level 0-2/10 and that after setting volume level during test recording and choosing New Project to start recording the whole vinyl, distortions appear again. I can see on the graph that level is higher than I set a while ago.
It's pity I cannot attach images...

Regards,
baltas