I'm using a Tracktion FX8 2x2 mixer into(via USB input) a Windows laptop using Tracktion 4 software.
Although I've set my faders on the mixer channels to 0db(unity gain) and cranked up my channel gains AND cranked up my USB input level as well, I'm finding my input level indicators in the software barely make it up to -20 to -15dbs.
I haven't done anything filter-wise yet.
Playing back what I've recorded is pretty wimpy volume-wise(unless I'm listening with my monitors in the garage) especially when I send out a FLAC or mp3 file to the guys for review.
It seems I should be seeing much closer to 0dbs without cranking things all the way up and risking feedback along with getting signal clipping.
Am I doing something wrong?
Tony
Audio Recording Levels Not Satisfatory!!
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- KVRer
- 6 posts since 12 Nov, 2015
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lay it prodctions lay it prodctions https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=210819
- KVRian
- 544 posts since 6 Jul, 2009 from Washington D.C
Are you using a consider mic, do you have phantom power on, also have you tested your mic inputs latency by putting a patch cable from a mic input to a to a output of your mixer then run the input test located in the option tab of your mic inputs in Tracktion.
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Peter Widdicombe Peter Widdicombe https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=336849
- KVRian
- 1221 posts since 29 Aug, 2014
What version of Windows are you using?
What ASIO are you using (i.e. ASIO4All )?
Does the mixer allow you to see and adjust the gain level for the USB?
Is it a Mackie ProFX8 or something else that you are using?
What inputs have you tried into the mixer; and do they all give a fairly low level? If master out is set to unity, are the mixer output levels metered somewhere near the "0" level, or are they also around -20.
Some Windows hardware allows you to tweak the input gain compensation somewhat to compensate for input levels. Plus Tracktion has input gain settings. But an extremely low input level that is reflected on the mixer may be difficult to compensate for within Traction, and will be low or noisy.
What ASIO are you using (i.e. ASIO4All )?
Does the mixer allow you to see and adjust the gain level for the USB?
Is it a Mackie ProFX8 or something else that you are using?
What inputs have you tried into the mixer; and do they all give a fairly low level? If master out is set to unity, are the mixer output levels metered somewhere near the "0" level, or are they also around -20.
Some Windows hardware allows you to tweak the input gain compensation somewhat to compensate for input levels. Plus Tracktion has input gain settings. But an extremely low input level that is reflected on the mixer may be difficult to compensate for within Traction, and will be low or noisy.
Waveform 13; Win10 desktop/8 Gig; Win11 Laptop; MPK261; VFX+disfunctional ESQ-1
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- KVRAF
- 1721 posts since 15 Aug, 2003 from Indianapolis
Analog mixers are designed with about 20dB of headroom, so 0dB on your mixer will be 20dB down from the loudest level possible without clipping.
Digital systems are scaled differently. 0dB is the loudest possible level without clipping. It's not uncommon to see a 0dB signal in an analog console show up as -20 in your computer. This way you have some headroom to mix before clipping. Lots of people use -18dB as a zero point. It's simply not necessary to slam the levels against the ceiling in a 24 bit audio system. 16 bit? Yes, you needed to hit it a little hotter to stay up out of the noise.
Gain stage your mixer appropriately, to keep noise levels down. If you still feel you need more signal, the input gains in Tracktion will go as high as +12dB.
Digital systems are scaled differently. 0dB is the loudest possible level without clipping. It's not uncommon to see a 0dB signal in an analog console show up as -20 in your computer. This way you have some headroom to mix before clipping. Lots of people use -18dB as a zero point. It's simply not necessary to slam the levels against the ceiling in a 24 bit audio system. 16 bit? Yes, you needed to hit it a little hotter to stay up out of the noise.
Gain stage your mixer appropriately, to keep noise levels down. If you still feel you need more signal, the input gains in Tracktion will go as high as +12dB.