Recording input levels not matching output level

[elbenj]

I have had this problem for a while but have been
living with it.

Either I am reading the input recording meter wrong
or what?

Ive been able to watch the level meter as I
record and what turns out to be what i thought
was -6 or -3 db has been during playback 0 or
higher. This would be just the track playing
alone. I have everything setup at +4db
operating range. Any idea what can be going on?

[UncleThumpy]

Are you sure everything in your chain is operating at +4?

Describe the chain. What in line?

-L

[elbenj]

I was using the 1202vlz mixer as my mic pre's or
the Joemeek V63Q...on the mixer I was using the
inserts with a single click being that the 1202 does
not have direct outs....going into my 2408 (Motu
interface) which is set at +4db and the audio
card itself..set at +4db...I am getting the same
type indications when I use the Joemeek as my
mic pre..oh i normally use the dbx 166xl with
the 1202 setup..it also was set at +4db..
what do you normally shoot for on the input
level meter in cakewalk while setting levels?
It seems that that when the meter turns
orange at all on the input its gonna be red
when played back..Thanks for the help

[c7sus]

What is your fader set at in the console view during playback?

When the signal goes into the red are you getting digital clipping?

Sounds like it could be a feedback loop through the Mackie back into the MOTU. The track you are playing back is being fed through the MOTU and the signal you are seeing is the sum of the recorded signal and the backfed signal. Be sure to use Alt3/4 for monitoring to avoid feedback loops.

If I recall correctly +6dB is the equivalent of doubling the amplitude of a signal. That means twice as loud. Sounds a lot like what you describe here.

[elbenj]

i think u may be on to it C7..i will check that out
ive never used the alt 3/4 and now i have found
a good reason to use them..how would i
configure that ? i currently have my monitors
plugged into the Control room outs..the output
of my audio card is being fed into two channels
on the console..and i always monitor the main
outs..can the alts be assigned to the control outs
or am i gonna have to keep making patches
back and forth..im upgrading to the 1642 and
of course i'll need to read the manual..thanks
for the info !!!!!

[c7sus]

Press Alt3/4 on your ins from the soundcard. That will route the monitored signal to your speakers and keep the signal out of your main outs.

I should add that this may not fix your problem if you are not using the main outs as feeds into your soundcard. I noticed you said you were using the channel insert as an out. But it is worth a try.