Subject:using "master" control to lessen distortion?

Posted by: wynton

Date:12/15/2006 6:07:05 PM

I'm recording my vinyl with a USB turntable and with some albums the levels are apparently too high. But I'm having trouble figuring out a way of lowering the input level. (For some reason, I don't seem to have that option within the control panel.)

But I wonder if I can lessen the distortion level by using the "master" control within the "mixer" window. Does that have any effect on reducing distortion that may have been caused during the recording process? Also, does that control even affect the recorded track, or is it merely lowering the volume during playback (without altering the track)?

Subject:RE: using "master" control to lessen distortion?

Reply by: shredheadinstead

Date:12/16/2006 3:28:41 AM

If it's "clipping" - in the red zone and crackling, I'd turn the master volume on Acid down, or you could fumble around with dropping maybe the track itself down, instead of being set to 0. I usually have to have my master on many of my songs (especially if drums are involved) set to (-2.0), and than when I render, theirs no distortion, or clipping. It's better to set things low, and raise them afterward. You can also bypass clipping and distortion this way also. As far as the "mixer" window - do you mean in the "Sounds Devices" part of the Control Panel? Before I got my soundcard, I've always had that set near the top, and than lower with my Master Volume in whatever DAW I was using at the time.

Subject:RE: using "master" control to lessen distorti

Reply by: Chienworks

Date:12/16/2006 5:24:39 AM

There's nothing you can do to reduce distortion after it's been recorded.

The master control only affects playback.

You need to find the recording input volume control for your sound card and reduce the volume there. Alternatively, use a small mixer between the turnable's amp and your sound card to reduce the volume.

Subject:RE: using "master" control to lessen distorti

Reply by: wynton

Date:12/16/2006 5:35:54 AM

The "mixer" window I was referring to is on the bottom right hand corner of Music Studio 6.

What was confusing me is that the master volume setting within that mixer window cannot be moved while I am making the recording but only afterwards. So I was not sure whether changes to the master volume would affect any distortion caused by clipping during the recording process. In fact, even if it does help reduce the distortion afterwards, I'm not sure how much the volume should be lowered then, since the "clip" indicator is only present while recording. I suppose then it's just a matter of listening?

Can you explain what you mean by "dropping the track itself down"?

Subject:RE: using "master" control to lessen distorti

Reply by: Chienworks

Date:12/16/2006 6:01:11 AM

If you're using a consumer grade sound card, such as a soundblaster or what's built into your motherboard, doubleclick the little speaker icon in the lower right corner of your screen to bring up the volume control panel. Click Options / Properties / Recording / OK. This will show you the input level controls. Reduce the line in volume there.

Subject:RE: using "master" control to lessen distorti

Reply by: wynton

Date:12/16/2006 6:07:30 AM

Chienworks,

I tried precisely that. But when I chose recording for the sound card used by my USB turntable, it would not show any controls. (It is USB Audio Codec). I have no idea why there are no controls available for that.

Subject:RE: using "master" control to lessen distortion?

Reply by: pwppch

Date:12/16/2006 10:23:08 AM

wynton,

Please fill out your system specifications.

What hardware are you using for recording - manufacture, model, etc, etc.

What Chienworks said is correct. If the signal recorded is distorted, there is nothing that ACID can do about it. You must determine how to control the input signal before the A/D converters of your recording hardware.

Peter

Subject:RE: using "master" control to lessen distorti

Reply by: wynton

Date:12/16/2006 12:10:05 PM

I am using a Numark TT USB turntable. I believe that the souncard associated with that turntable is USB Audio Codec.

The soundcard that came with the laptop is Conexant HD.

Any other relevant information I should provide?

Subject:RE: using "master" control to lessen distorti

Reply by: wynton

Date:12/16/2006 2:56:17 PM

I just happened to go by the retailer who sold me the turntable. We basically confirmed that the soundcard with the turntable does not appear to have an input control. But he thought that there was some way of lowering the input level from the turntable by adjusting a setting within Acid Music Studio itself.

Is that true?

Subject:RE: using "master" control to lessen distorti

Reply by: drbam

Date:12/16/2006 7:30:04 PM

"But he thought that there was some way of lowering the input level from the turntable by adjusting a setting within Acid Music Studio itself. Is that true?"

No! And with that kind of advise I would suggest looking to other retailers for future purchases, especially for any kind of software!

Subject:RE: using "master" control to lessen distorti

Reply by: wynton

Date:12/18/2006 1:33:25 PM

""But he thought that there was some way of lowering the input level from the turntable by adjusting a setting within Acid Music Studio itself. Is that true?"

No! And with that kind of advise I would suggest looking to other retailers for future purchases, especially for any kind of software!""

Well, that's depressing. Since I evidently cannot reduce the input level through the soundcard settings or Music Studio, what other choices do I have?

Subject:RE: using "master" control to lessen distorti

Reply by: pwppch

Date:12/18/2006 2:33:35 PM

Did you try contacting Numark?

Did the Turntable come with any documentation?

From what I read on the Numark web site it is a standard USB audio device. It should be exposed through the standard Windows Mixer control. Do you know how to use the standard Windows Mixer control to have it show the available controls for a specific audio device?

Peter

Subject:RE: using "master" control to lessen distorti

Reply by: wynton

Date:12/18/2006 4:54:39 PM

I have tried contacting Numark, but they have yet to respond. (Email is the only way of contacting them.) I've read all the available documentation and nothing speaks to this issue.

And I'm pretty sure I'm accessing the standard Windox Mixer control. I got into the "volume control" window, looked under options, then properties and the mixer device window was there. When I select USB Audio Codec, and then select "adjust volume for recording," there are no available controls.

Subject:RE: using "master" control to lessen distorti

Reply by: pwppch

Date:12/18/2006 5:51:41 PM

Sounds like you have looked at the right places and know your way around. Since we don't have this hardware in house, we will have to wait for Numark to get back to you.

Peter

Subject:RE: using "master" control to lessen distorti

Reply by: wynton

Date:12/18/2006 6:50:48 PM

Actually, I figured out that I didn't look in all the right places.

On the bottom of the turntable, I just discovered a "gain" dial, which had been set to the maximum. I've been gradually lowering it to see how much of a difference it makes for for one album that I know experienced a lot of clipping. Turning the dial all the way to the midpoint appears to have eliminated the clipping (though even then,, the levels remain pretty close to clipping).

I'm glad to have finally discovered this dial, but I hope this doesn't mean I need to adjust it for every single album. For the location of the dial underneath the turntable is quite inconvenient. I cannot understand why the dial was placed there. And it sure would be nicer if I could have changed the setting on the computer instead.

Anyway, I thank everyone for their patience.

Subject:RE: using "master" control to lessen distorti

Reply by: DKeenum

Date:12/19/2006 9:27:25 AM

This is really good news! I hope everything goes well for you now.