Subject:Clipping

Posted by: Vulcan

Date:10/13/2003 2:28:07 PM

I´m very new to this and know close to nothing when it comes to audio but I´m trying and hoping to learn.

I downloaded the trial version of SF7 and have started to transfer my Vinyl to mp3. I started without a pre-amp and got very poor recordings. I followed the advice on another thread and got me a (chep) pre-amp. The problem I now have is that although the line in level is put at 1% (!) I get clipping. The same occurs when I connect the player through my receiver.

I can get rid of the clipping by normalizing (before I start to "wash" the waw) but is this the right way to go? If I don't have sufficient controls (no controls on the pre-amp) to set the record level to a level where no clipping occurs what do I need to do/get?

Regards

Hans

Subject:RE: Clipping

Reply by: Chienworks

Date:10/13/2003 3:22:51 PM

Are you sure you're adjusting the recording level for the line input? There are two sets of level controls, one for monitoring/playback (which is probably the control you're ajdusting), and another set for recording. In the volume control panel, click Options / Properties / Recording / OK. This will switch to the recording controls.

Subject:RE: Clipping

Reply by: Vulcan

Date:10/13/2003 3:40:37 PM

Yes, I´m sure (I have also tried the monitor/playback setting to be on the safe side). I have Sound Max Digital Audio (onboard audio) that came with my MB Asus P4C800 DeLuxe. Do you think that I should get me a plug-in soundcard (and if so what would you recommend)?

Thanks.

Hans

Subject:RE: Clipping

Reply by: msterlin

Date:10/13/2003 4:29:41 PM

I too have a SoundMax onboard on an Intel mobo, although I use a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz instead of the SoundMax. With nothing connected to line in, the sf meters read -45 dB for the SoundMax and -76.3 dB for the Santa Cruz, so clearly you can do better than the SoundMax. Others can give you better recommendations if you want a pro level soundcard, but the santa cruz is a decent consumer level card.

Re mic levels - SoundMax places an icon in the windows control panel which inclues a mic setup wizard, i assume it helps to set up an initial level - have you tried that? Also, maybe try unchecking the 'mic boost' checkbox.

Subject:RE: Clipping

Reply by: Vulcan

Date:10/13/2003 5:45:48 PM

My player is connected to line in. I tried (I have tried to explore all options) to connect to the mic input and the resulting sound was, apart from being plain awful, still clipping.

I have now also read the specification sheet (the story of my life, trial and error, mostly error). The gain is 40db. Could this be the cause of the clipping (on the other hand I get clipping also when the player is connected through my receiver)? Is there such a thing as a "de-amplifier" or some kind of resistance that can be connected between the pre-amplifier/receiver to adjust the gain?

Any input is appreciated.

Hans

Subject:RE: Clipping

Reply by: Chienworks

Date:10/13/2003 6:05:22 PM

There are all sorts of external volume controls. You could check ebay for a small DJ mixer (which will probably have the turntable preamp built in). For about $15 of parts from RadioShack you can get an audio-taper pot, a knob, an aluminum box, and a few RCA plugs and build your own passive volume control.

Subject:RE: Clipping

Reply by: rraud

Date:10/13/2003 6:11:18 PM

Are you sure you have a "Phono" pre-amp? Which boosts the low level signal of a turntable and applies an EQ compensation curve.
These typically output via RCA connectors @ -10dB. The operating level of most consumer gear. ie; Stereo systems, cassette decks, ect.

Subject:RE: Clipping

Reply by: Vulcan

Date:10/14/2003 1:24:01 AM

Yes, the box says: "Aurora Stereo Phono Pre-Amplifier TC-400D." I'll go down to the Audio shop today and see if they have any other models. If they don't I'll try to follow the hint to build my own (might be another trial and error thing).

Hans

Subject:RE: Clipping

Reply by: Vulcan

Date:10/14/2003 4:04:05 AM

I returned the pre-amp and bought myself a cheap dj-mixer. Will test it when I get home. I have transferred three vinyl records (Bobby Bare, Buck Owens and Johnny Horton). Although two of them was transferred without using the pre-amp and one using the pre-amp that sent the sound out through the roof the result was, in my opinion, very good. Contemplating to retire and open a C&W disco.

Hans

Subject:RE: Clipping

Reply by: msterlin

Date:10/14/2003 10:35:49 AM

Johnny Horton? The Battle of New Orleans is a song i had on 45 when I was a kid, and have been looking for a copy of that ever since. :)

Subject:RE: Clipping

Reply by: Vulcan

Date:10/14/2003 1:07:33 PM

I just digitalized it. Do you wanna help me evaluate if I did a good job?

Hans

Subject:RE: Clipping

Reply by: Vulcan

Date:10/15/2003 2:50:26 AM

It worked well with the dj-mixer. Thanks for all the help.

Hans