Subject:Gain/Volume

Posted by: papareis

Date:9/30/2008 8:39:54 PM

I'm as new as you can get to audio recording. I've been trying to do some voice recording using an M-Audio Firewire Solo, a HP computer and Sound Forge 9. Starting with the "voiceover.pca" file that comes with the program as a template, I've been able to make some faint recordings. This is with the Windows XP recording control turned all the way up, and the gain on the M-Audio unit turned up as well. The resulting recordings are much lower in volume than the audio material that is already contained in the "voiceover.pca" file when you first open it.

With the faint recording, I can block it and use the Process>Volume control to bring up the volume after the recording is made, but there must be a way to set the initial volume to a reasonable level prior to recording so that I don't need to make a recording and then scale it up every time. I have quite a bit of material to record via a microphone, and I don't really want to have to make adjustments to the volume as portions of the material are produced, and spend a lot of time trying to make it all match.

Does anyone know a way to set the volume/gain to a reasonable level before making a recording through the software?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Subject:RE: Gain/Volume

Reply by: musicvid10

Date:9/30/2008 11:25:08 PM

It's always in your audio interface first. Either as an actual button or something in your software record mixer, there is a pad control for line (-20dB) or mic (0dB) input. Find it, make sure your record volume is at a reasonable level, and you've got it.

Subject:RE: Gain/Volume

Reply by: MarkWWWW

Date:10/1/2008 5:23:38 AM

What kind of microphone are you using and how are you connecting it to the Firewire Solo?

If you are getting very faint recordings it might perhaps be because you are using a mic that requires phantom power and you have not turned it on, or because you are trying to use an input that is intended for a device that produces a vastly higher output level than a microphone. Make sure you are connecting to the Microphone Input 1 socket on the interface, and have the buttons selected to Input Select: Front and Phantom Power: On (if your mic does indeed require phantom power).

Mark

Subject:RE: Gain/Volume

Reply by: papareis

Date:10/1/2008 8:09:47 AM

Thanks. I'm using a Shure 58 dynamic microphone. I don't think it calls for phantom power, though I did try it to see if it made a difference (it didn't). I'm also using Microphone Input 1 socket on the interface, and have the buttons selected for an input from the front.

I'm checking on the M-Audio forum to see if anyone there has a suggestion. I tried lot of potential combinations on the M-Audio's software control interface, but no luck so far.

I was just hoping there was some adjustment I could make in Sound Forge ... hidden in a dropdown somewhere.

Subject:RE: Gain/Volume

Reply by: musicvid10

Date:10/1/2008 9:46:33 AM

Yeah, the SM58 is relatively low output compared to many condensers. Just for reference, dynamic mics do not take phantom power, but if they're balanced as the SM58 is, it won't hurt them either.

I don't know your audio interface, so if it can be solved at that level you should do so. Otherwise, a small preamp or outboard mixer may be in order to give the signal a little boost. Be careful when choosing though, there are many little units that advertise low noise but sound like a freight train in a tunnel the instant you turn them up.

I don't know of any way to raise a weak signal inside Sound Forge. You say you already tried the Record Master levels in the Windows Mixer. Try some different driver patches in Options->Preferences->Wave. ASIO if available is the preferred choice. If not, choosing your soundcard drivers by name bypasses the Windows Mixer.

Subject:RE: Gain/Volume

Reply by: rraud

Date:10/1/2008 3:01:41 PM

The '58 does have a low output but if your within a foot and speaking normally, you should have plenty of level. As was posted above, it's most likely a setting in the sound card. I'm not familiar with the M-audio Solo, but check it is set to "MIC" (microphone) level with any attenuation disengaged. Make sure the mic cable is good and wired properly. Use the XLR input on the Solo.