Subject:Clipped and crapped-out amplitude!

Posted by: CalmSaxon

Date:3/11/2002 11:44:02 AM

I'm relatively new to SF, but I've done alright so far. For the most part, I am only recording solo vocals (spoken) for VOs, etc., so I generally don't use the more in-depth features of the program. Here's my problem:

Out of nowhere, there suddenly seems to be some sort of limiter on my input. I have a good mic running through a Behringer 1604A mixer, through a SoundBlaster card, into SF4.5. When I set this up a couple months ago, I didn't have any problems, then I didn't use it for a few weeks. I just tried it again the other day, and something in SF (I assume) is limiting my input. I have decent (though intentionally low) levels through the mixer, and when I monitor the levels in the record window (peak generally about -6.5dB). After I record, however, the waveforms seem to be clipped off at about +/-5dB...as if that's the absolute limit. I know I've recorded much outside that range in the past, but suddenly now I'm clipped! In listening to the playback--as you can guess--it sounds like I've just overmodulated the input.

I played around with different settings on the soundcard with no change, and even the compressors, gates, etc. within SF (all of which, of course, are POST-record functions anyway) had no effect. I'm sure there's an easy explanation, but I'm lost. Help!

-Mike

Subject:RE: Clipped and crapped-out amplitude!

Reply by: rraud

Date:3/13/2002 6:45:06 PM

Try recording using the Windows sound recorder. If it still has the problem it's something other than Sound Forge.

Subject:RE: Clipped and crapped-out amplitude!

Reply by: CalmSaxon

Date:3/14/2002 6:58:27 AM

Duh. As usual, i've overlooked the obvious. I tried the Windows audio recorder AND Cakewalk (which I sometimes forget I have), like you suggested, and still had the clipping problem. So, Rraud, you were right on that count.

Now I'm faced with a more frustrating problem, though. The Behringer MX1604A is a pretty simple mixer, with few options to "screw" with. Are there settings for the soundcard that might have this effect?

Also, while I'm trying to figure this out, is there anything I can do to the signal I AM getting, to make it at least useable? (Does the SF "Rebuild Peak" function actually create something from nothing, or am I way off, as usual?)

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

-Mike

Subject:RE: Clipped and crapped-out amplitude!

Reply by: rraud

Date:3/14/2002 12:57:10 PM

The rebuild peak will not fix anything. However the Noise Reduction plug-in has a peak restoration process thay may help a little. Obviously your problem is with the mixer, sound card, connections/cables or mixer/soundcard settings. How does the mixer work plugged into something else like a cassette deck or PA, if it works okay then that eliminates the mixer itself as the problem. What outputs and inputs are using on the mixer and sound card? I'm not familier with the Soundblaster's specific settings. I'm sure someone else will help on that. You can enter the Windows sound settings as follows:
Open the Windows volume control by double clicking the yellow speaker icon by your computer's clock. Once the play control window comes up, go to the "Options" menu and select "Properties". Then select "Recording" under "Adjust Volume For" and where it says "Show the Following Volume Controls", make sure everything is selected. Now click "OK" and you will get a "Recording Control" window. This is where you can change the source that you are recording from. Under each volume control is a box marked "Select". Make sure that the box under the desired source, in your case "Line in" should be selected and that the volume is turned up about three quarters of the way up. If the record level is too low or high, you can use this window and adjust the level as necessary.

Subject:RE: Clipped and crapped-out amplitude!

Reply by: CalmSaxon

Date:3/14/2002 10:34:31 PM

Thanks again, Rraud.

As suspected, it was just that easy. I've been working between two computers in different areas, and I guess it just didn't occur to me that I had gone through those settings in the one, but not the other. Your post reminded me. A simple tweak of the mic-in volume did the trick.

Thanks!

Subject:RE: Clipped and crapped-out amplitude!

Reply by: rraud

Date:3/15/2002 2:00:55 PM

Your welcome. Glad you have it fixed.