KVR Audio

chj · Post by **chj** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 8:32 am

I've discovered a problem with my line in recording. Whatever sound is coming out of my computer leaks onto line in recordings. It's very faint, at normal volumes you probably would never notice it. In a mix, I could easily get away with it, but it's there. The only reason I noticed it lately is because I was playing a dry guitar recording through some loud effects and started hearing the song I was playing along to.

I tried several different scenarios. Using an Audio Kontrol for the line in, using a preamp into my Soundblaster as the line in. Using Audacity to record or using FL Studio to record. Always the same thing. Even if I have absolutely no sound going into the line in, the line in recording will come out with a very faint recording of whatever sound is coming out of my computer(even something like a video game)

The only thing that has to happen is the line in has to be turned up. If it's really low or turned down there will not be any audible noise in the line in recording. I tried plugging in just a headphone converter jack (1/4 to 1/8 ) into the line in, and turning it up. In other words, there is absolutely no sound going into the line in, but it is turned up. The result is still a very faint recording of whatever sound is coming out of my computer.

The computer is a Dell 8300, came with a Soundblaster Live, I also have an Audio Kontrol. Doesn't matter which audio card is selected in the Windows Control Panel options, same thing.

Any ideas?

chj · Post by **chj** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 6:18 pm

Jazz Franco · Post by **Jazz Franco** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 6:55 pm

Don't want to sound rude or snubby, but the only obvious advice is 'get a decent soundcard'.
You don't even have to spend $$$, if you want to record just one instrument at a time. Get an M-Audio FastTrack, for example ( can give my word for this one, as it is what I've used for several years) -- should be dirt cheap now

ew · Post by ew » Sun Jun 28, 2009 7:01 pm

Jazz Franco wrote:Don't want to sound rude or snubby, but the only obvious advice is 'get a decent soundcard'.

He's got an AK 1 as well; he originally posted this on the AK 1 forum. The issue is that it's happening with both interfaces.

ew

chj · Post by **chj** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 7:08 pm

Actually the obvious solution is a new computer, I have a feeling many of my music frustrations would be solved. But until then I'd appreciate any ideas on this sound leak.

thecontrolcentre · Post by **thecontrolcentre** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 7:35 pm

The fact that it's happening with both soundcards suggests it's an internal problem, rather than soundcard related. What program are you recording audio into when this happens? Have you tried using another program to record?
I record into Ableton Live using an AK1 and have never had a problem ...

UltraJv · Post by **UltraJv** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 7:53 pm

It could be something connected to the pc via USB or Firewire also.

BertKoor · Post by **BertKoor** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 7:30 am

It could even be the "record what you hear" fader not turned down completely in the Windows Volume Mixer.

There's also a Mute option there.

hibidy · Post by **hibidy** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 7:48 am

You'll forgive me if I'm not following but........

You should be using the AK1 as your main control. I seriously doubt that the soundblaster should be needed imo. Also, you mentioned "line in", looking at the photos of the AK1, you do have it set to instrument for the input on guitar, right?

Just trying to get a visual for what you are trying to do.

ew · Post by ew » Mon Jun 29, 2009 3:53 pm

BertKoor wrote:It could even be the "record what you hear" fader not turned down completely in the Windows Volume Mixer. There's also a Mute option there.

That was my original thought as well. The problem is; AK 1 doesn't use the Windows mixer per se. You can adjust the volume in sounds and audio devices, but there's no Windows mixer icon in the taskbar. And, there isn't any what you hear option with AK 1 software wise.

ew

dacaumodo · Post by **dacaumodo** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 4:35 pm

try disabling the soundblaster in the devices control panel.

chj · Post by **chj** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 9:14 pm

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, unfortunately nothing has worked. Even completely disabling the Soundblaster in the control panel does not work.

chj · Post by **chj** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 9:37 pm

In case this helps anyone decipher my problem. Only the HiZ line seems to be having this problem. If I record using the regular line level or mic level you cannot hear the main mix in the recorded audio.

But if the HiZ switch is engaged, something is actually plugged into the HiZ jack, and the HiZ input level is turned up, you will hear a very faint recording of the main mix in the recorded audio.

Is it possible for whatever is plugged into the jack to be picking up the audio of the main mix? Like when a guitar starts picking up radio signals or something? Would having the line set to HiZ amplify any such signal?

chj · Post by **chj** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:04 am

Fixed, and I have no idea how. Can't reproduce the problem. No, I'm not crazy, it was happening, really, I have a .wav file to prove it.

Anyway good news is it's fixed. Bad news is if it comes back I won't have any idea how to get rid of it.

hibidy · Post by **hibidy** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 5:37 am

No, buts that's great. Actually, something you fiddled with probably solved the issue, hopefully it won't come back. If it does, maybe you can retrace?

My computer's sound is leaking into my line in audio