Hello All.
Here's my setup:
-Pentium III 700, 256MB memory
-SoundBlaster PCI 16
-Rolls MP13 Mini-MIc Microphone PreAMP.
-RODE NT3 Condensor Microphone, using 9Volt Battery, NOT phantom power. (mic pre produces only 36v phantom power, mic needs 48).
-CakeWalk HomeStudio 2002
I am new to PC recording.
I am having difficulty adjusting the levels for vocal recording. I adjust the the Creative Labs Recorder software for the recording levels and the mic pre gain is midway, around 25db.
The problem is that any loud vocals result in clipping, and the sound is somewhat distorted. If I adjust the levels so that the loudest vocals reach just into the "red" zone on the HomeStudio meter, but without clipping, most of the vocal track sounds a bit soft.
It doesn't sound so soft that you might think that the pre-amp isn't functioning - the sound is present and real, just not full.
This is especially a problem mixing with the instumental tracks. They are all MIDI. If I get the levels so that the vocals don't clip, the MIDI tracks need to have a volume of 64 or lower. To my ears, it all sounds too soft.
Maybe this is normal? Maybe the playback volume needs to just be louder? Maybe I am a newbie???
Any advice or comments?
Thank you!
Here's my setup:
-Pentium III 700, 256MB memory
-SoundBlaster PCI 16
-Rolls MP13 Mini-MIc Microphone PreAMP.
-RODE NT3 Condensor Microphone, using 9Volt Battery, NOT phantom power. (mic pre produces only 36v phantom power, mic needs 48).
-CakeWalk HomeStudio 2002
I am new to PC recording.
I am having difficulty adjusting the levels for vocal recording. I adjust the the Creative Labs Recorder software for the recording levels and the mic pre gain is midway, around 25db.
The problem is that any loud vocals result in clipping, and the sound is somewhat distorted. If I adjust the levels so that the loudest vocals reach just into the "red" zone on the HomeStudio meter, but without clipping, most of the vocal track sounds a bit soft.
It doesn't sound so soft that you might think that the pre-amp isn't functioning - the sound is present and real, just not full.
This is especially a problem mixing with the instumental tracks. They are all MIDI. If I get the levels so that the vocals don't clip, the MIDI tracks need to have a volume of 64 or lower. To my ears, it all sounds too soft.
Maybe this is normal? Maybe the playback volume needs to just be louder? Maybe I am a newbie???
Any advice or comments?
Thank you!
