Clipping/ Distortion

[steve]

That is definitely clipped, but it is being clipped before it gets to Audacity. (Audacity will clip the data at 0 dB, but this is clipped much lower (at -5.5 dB).
Which version of Windows are you using? Modern versions (Vista and Win 7) have multiple places where the recording level is set so it can get a bit complicated.

[dochiphop]

windows 7

[steve]

Go to System Tray > Recording Devices
Right click on the USB recording device
Click Properties then the Levels tab.
Ensure that the level is set low (but not completely off).

[dochiphop]

Ok I did that but the clipping problem still exists. That just seemed to lower the volume levels but not fix the distortion.

[steve]

That just seemed to lower the volume levels but not fix the distortion.

In that case the clipping is occurring before it gets to the computer.
Check the turntable volume again, just in case the the control works in an upside down manner or something strange like that. If the turntable volume is down at minimum then the record is just too loud for that turntable/cartridge combination.

[dochiphop]

I did check the gain on the turntable and it as at the minimum level. It is the same record I have played and recorded with the old computer and this same very equipment (turntable, cartridge, and needle) and it sounds fine. I can get you a clip of that to listen to if needed. It has to be an audacity/window 7 issue.

[steve]

I don't think that it is due to Audacity, but just to be sure, try recording a bit with the Windows "Sound Recorder" program and see if you can get an unclipped recording with that.

[kozikowski]

That sample is still clipping at 0.5 or 6dB down from maximum.

Our Win7 machines have a little green sound meter next to each active recording source in the Windows Control Panels. Do you have such a meter and does it overload? Does it act normal, except it never goes over a certain level?

Does your turntable have a switch that selects between needing a preamp and not? Line-Out and Cartridge-Out or something like that in addition to the volume control?

The distortion gets much worse when you turn up the turntable volume control, right? If you adjust the turntable to maximum volume, Audacity still clips at 0.5 right?

Koz

[dochiphop]

Steve, when I record with windows sound recorder I get no sound.... just silence. Im not sure how to fix this to get you an audio sample. Can you explain that to me and then I can get you a sample recording.

Koz, Those green light meters seem normal to me. They never go over 3-4 bars on the meter and there are 9-10 on each meter.
My turntable does not have any of those options you mentioned.
Yes the distortion gets worse at higher volumes.

Thanks guys

[steve]

when I record with windows sound recorder I get no sound.... just silence. Im not sure how to fix this to get you an audio sample.

In the Windows recording settings you need to set the USB device as the default recording device.