Studio Recording Quality

[lowlow42]

I have the type of cables you described, so I guess that wouldn't be the problem... I noticed when I pull the adapter (out of my soundcard) out a little, the "right" channel works, but not the left. But when I have it all the way pushed in, the "left" channel only works. What could this be? Somewhere, something is messed up.

[Jester700]

Sounds like the right channel of your soundcard input is hosed. Try this: reverse the left & right mono 1/8" plugs going INTO the adapter. If the right channel is still the one that's out, it's either the adapter itself (rare) or the soundcard jack.

If that's the case, maybe god's telling you to get the Audiophile...

[lowlow42]

If that's the case, maybe god's telling you to get the Audiophile...

Hahaha.. that just might be the problem... let me check here....

Well, its seems like your right. The soundcard has to be the problem. I did what you said, and then even tried another "Y" cable, and the same problem occured. Well, I'll have to wait after I order the mic to get the soundcard, but it'll be here in about 1 week or so. That means I'll just be waiting in the meantime. But when I get both items, hopefully everything goes the way they're supposed to.

Either way, I appreciate all the help you've given me!!!

[proxyx99]

Hey, keep us posted... This thread is a good candidate for the next "Survivor" release. No need to bother with Australia just get a soundcard like yours...

[NamPla]

Ha, actually I like reading this thread. I'm buying that little Behringer 502 mixer next week myself on Jester's recommendation, looks exactly what I need without spending hundreds of dollars on mike preamps or powered Mackie mixers etc. I'll use it to plug in mike/turntable/cassette deck etc. I also got my eye fixed on that MXL condenser mike, looks nice. I do like the sound of condensers better than dynamic mikes like the Shures etc. Thanks a lot, Jester700!

[lowlow42]

Yeah, I'm also going with the MXL. I actually got the UB802 mixer because it has 48v phantom power, and the UB502 mixer does not. And if you plan on purchasing the MXL, it will need the 48v phantom power. I can't wait to use it all together.

But, I'll be sure to keep you posted...

[NamPla]

Whoa, are you sure? I thought the 502 is a "powered" mixer too?? Doesn't it have phantom power for mikes too? Actually don't you put batteries in condenser mikes anyway? Duh, suddenly I'm all confused again... Can I plug a turntable into the 502, for instance???

[Jester700]

The 502 manual doesn't mention phantom power; the 802 does. My guess is the 502 doesn't have it. Plus, you may want to play with stereo recording at some point, and the 502 has only one input. For these reasons, I'd look at the 802 even if you don't think you need it now.

Yes, some condensors use a battery. But I wouldn't want to limit my mic choices based on what will work without phantom power.

These mixers won't work with a turntable, because a turntable needs the RIAA EQ curve applied to it. Without it, the records will sound very thin and trebley (the curve is a broad bass boost). Sounds like you need a DJ mixer...

[NamPla]

Wow, thanks Jester, good timing in fact. I guess I got it all wrong. I have a question or 2 about turntables, I guess I'll post my own topic...

Thanks a lot.

And give us an report on how you go, Lowlow42!!! (I for one am interested!)

[lowlow42]

No problem at all. When I had ordered my UB802 mixer, it acutally says in it that the "502" does not supply phantom power for the condenser mics. So, I think you should also go with the UB802, I'm sure it works great, I personally haven't used it yet though.

I'll be ordering my MXL ($69.95) and Audiophile soundcard ($99.95) together next week from ZZounds.com (free S&H). Then I'll be visiting the RadioShack again to buy a different set of cables. Oh... I almost forgot, I'll need to order the Headphone-Speaker Switchbox too.

But when I get everything going, I'll definetely let you know how it goes, maybe if I have a good experience with it all, you will too!

[Jester700]

Just a note...
Here's why the price reduction on the Audiophile: the new delta 410 is available at neweg for $13 more.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-121-105&depa=0

The same quality I'd bet, but instead of 2 onboard outs, you get a breakout box for 8 outs. This is no benefit for those mixing in the PC, but to go out to other gear, it's very cool.

[lowlow42]

Wow, so then if I got this, I wouldn't need to get a switchbox? I could just leave my speakers plugged in all the time, and then when I use my headphones, I just switch them? Wait, then I'd run into the same problem before...

Well if you think the 8 analog out is a better deal, then I'll go ahead and order that one. As long as it does what I need it to. Does this soundcard do everything the Audiophile 2496 does?

I just actually thought of something, instead of getting a switchbox... I could have the following setup:
1) From the 2 soundcard outputs (2 RCA) to 2 1/8" ends, and then putting a "Y" cable (2x 1/8" to 1x 1/8") to connect it to my subwoofer (it has a 1/8" input).
2) Then when I need to use the headphones, I just unplug the 1/8" end from the subwoofer, and use a coupler, and another "Y" cable to connect the 2 headphones.

What do you think, hopefully I didn't lose you?

[lowlow42]

Please see new diagram.

[lowlow42]

Any suggestions? I was curious to know because I was going to go ahead and get the cables at RadioShack if they'd work.

[proxyx99]

One way to deal with your issue is to try to keep it RCA all the way and then use RCA to mini jack adapter at the end. I have couple of those and that seems to be most convenient way of addressing the mini jack "issue".



Looks just like the above but at the other side has a mini jack plug.

or like that:

[Jester700]

Any of these would work. I like Proxy's ideas; they seem simplest.

As for the new card, I dunno. It was just released & I've never seen one. The outs MAY be able to be configured any way you want, so they can ALL be set up as L&R pairs to your various devices. That would rock for you, but I dunno for sure.

[lowlow42]

Ok, I will go out and buy the cables this weekend, I won't have time during the week. Well, tomorrow I will be receiving the Marshall V57 Condenser Mic in the mail. I can't wait to test it out. But this weekend I'll place an order on the Audiophile 2496. I'll just stay with that, the other one seems like it isn't really necessary with all the extra plugs. Thanks for the help and the pics though!!!

[proxyx99]

I just use SB Live (for my modest audio needs) but from looking at Audiophile description as well as users feedback it is well worth the investment. Considering measly 100 dollar price it is even more attractive. Just few years ago one would have to pay minimum 4 to 6x the price to enjoy the quality of that caliber. I'd say just go for it!

[lowlow42]

Yeah, I was sort of thinking about it too. But now since the price dropped to $100, I think its a good enough deal to get. Alot of reviews say it is a good quality card. Although they say the support really sucks! So I hope I won't be needing it!

When I get to using it, I'll let you know how my experience with it is.

One thing I don't like about the card, is when I want to control volume, it has a seperate master control application. I guess I can live with it though. Another problem that is stated in the reviews is something about the drivers. I hope I get a driver on the cd, or I hope its available on their website... Because they say something about it not working on XP. But then others say it has. So I guess I'll know when I try it out....

[proxyx99]

just get it from the source that would accept a return (with no restocking fee) in case you have an issue...

[lowlow42]

Ok, I'm sure it has a 30 day money back warranty of some sort.

[lowlow42]

Hey guys, I have bought all the cables necessary to get this working, I'm only waiting on my soundcard. I'll be placing an order this weekend.

I have 1 problem though. I have my Mic (MXL) plugged into the line, and I have my headphones plugged into the mixer, and obviously the power. I have all the knobs correct, but for some reason, I can only hear through the left side of the headphones. I've tried 2 different pairs. The pan is in the middle. What is the cause of this? When I speak into the mic, the mixer level lights (both left and right) go up and down. So it must recognize it, but for some odd reason, I only hear the left. Any help is appreciated!!!

[lowlow42]

***Please note, that when I plug the main outputs to the "Mic In", everything sounds good. But like you said you hear the volume higher. Will the Audiophile clear up some of the sound? Because the mic sounds pretty good with the mic in! But if the Audiophile clears it up more, then its going to sound EXCELLENT! Please let me know...

[lowlow42]

Oh, and 1 last question. If I record low, and raise the volume in
Audition... Is that the same thing as if I just increased the level on
the mixer. Or should I set the level on the mixer exactly at the level
I want it to before recording. I just want to avoid clipping... But I
wasn't sure if those 2 procedures will come out with the same quality
or sound in the end.

But yeah, besides that, about the Audiophile 2496... what I have now is
pretty clear when I record, with the exception of the fact the mic is
in the same room as my pc (so you can hear the fans). But I use a Noise
Reduction filter in Audition, and the sound is gone without distorting
the vocals. And in the end it sounds good.

So, from what I understand, the new soundcard will give me more
headroom? But the volume I record with is fine, or at least I think so.
I was thinking... instead of the soundcard, should I invest the $100
into building a small Isolation booth? Of course, it will be more than
$100, but that can help towards the cost.

Don't get me wrong, if I need the soundcard, then I will definetely get
it. But my only concern is, is it worth it? What changes will I hear
compared to what I described above? Because alone with the mixer and
mic, I've heard a MAJOR difference. But if the soundcard will give me a
extra boost of quality, I'm all for it!

Please let me know...

[proxyx99]

You've heard it be4 that the chain is as strong.... etc. Don't bargain here for a discounted advice, you were given a first rate info by Jester so stick to it. So far no disappointments, right? If you want to build home studio forget the booth for now and just find some good info or buy a book on the subject (....library...?). Check all your options and then decide. No way that someone will lead you from the beginning to the end without seeing, experiencing what you experience. Q&A here will not supercede a good research.

As to rec level stay within 0 to -3db. Set your soundcard anywhere between 40-70% rec. volume (stay where the noise is the lowest and signal clarity best) and get 0 db with your external rig. I'm sure some guys will give you more detailed info.

[lowlow42]

I have my microphone input on my soundcard set to the bottom (0). But I control all input levels with the mixer. But for example, if that wasn't high enough, could I increase the volume in Audition... and would that be the same as if I just increased the level on the mixer.

As for clarity, the sound is clear. The only bad thing is the pc fans in the background. That's why I suggested investing in building a booth. But if the soundcard will make it more clear, then I will be ordering it tonight.

Also, the microphone had a sheet of paper that said, "Keep in box when not in use, to prevent dust build up...as for it could mess up quality" Well, if I put a foam windscreen over the top, I have nothing to worry about right? I dont think dust will be entering through that.

[proxyx99]

Dust: make foam or thick cloth hood to cover the mic. Noise: check your PC retailer for low noise PC box/fans and keep it away from the mic (oversize foam PC hood used at the time of recording (with vents) may do the job as well).

[lowlow42]

Alright, well I'll be ordering the soundcard tonight, when I receive it, I'll let you know how everything goes.

[Jester700]

Are you using a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter when you plug your phones into the mixer? If so, are you sure it's a stereo to stereo version? Sounds like half of it is mono (2 conductor).

If you keep the mic mounted (the diaphragm vertical) dust shouldn't be a big problem, but a cover never hurts.

If you can live with your current sound and workflow it's cool, and since the new card is also cheap you needn't worry about a missed opportunity when the 2496 sells out. But needing to use NR on tracks isn't great as a matter of course. One day you will start hearing the "burbly" artifacts left by AA's NR and it will probably bug you from then on. So any kind of fixing at the source will be helpful.

If you do get the 2496 you should be able to amplify it in AA IF you record it in 32 bit float. If you record in 16 bit, it's best to get as good a level going in as possible (without clipping, of course). With your current 16 bit sound card, that's also true; you will get less hiss. In fact, experiment - go in with a healthy level, then track the same thing REALLY low - like -60dB. Then normalize the 2nd track as high as the 1st. This will be an exaggerated version of what improper gain staging can do, and it's great ear training.

[lowlow42]

Oh ok, thanks for the advice. I think you were right about the mono headphone jack. I used an adapter from a mic and plugged it into the headphones, and I think mono is what the adapter was.

As for the mic, it is vertical (upside down for that matter, but vertical). That's ok right?

About the card, I just figured that the only hiss I was hearing now, was from the pc fans, thats why I didn't need to worry about quality anymore, and to solve the problem, I'd isolate the mic. But from what I understand the soundcard will help with clarity too. And plus, like you mentioned before, the "Mic In" on my current soundcard has a big "GAIN", so that might cause hiss/distortion.

I will try that little experiment you mentioned tonight.

But before I place an order on the Audiophile soundcard, just let me know your opinion please.... I just need to be re-assured before I make another purchase. Thanks!