spantini
COO of me, inc.
After only doing this digital recording stuff for about three years now, the one thing that still really bugs me is low headphone volume through my US-2x2 interface while overdubbing (dry passive bass).
The first track's not a problem as the monitor knob can be turned to full input, which is plenty loud.
Playback is plenty loud, as are all other audio sources (videos, mp3s, etc), so I know it's not the phones.
It's that monitor blend knob on the interface. After setting input levels correctly at the interface and DAW, then adjusting the monitor knob for good balance, there is not enough headphone volume even when turned all the way up - while overdubbing.
Lowering the Track #1 playback fader to hear more Track #2 overdub doesn't work for me.
At this low overdubbing volume level, my bass doesn't even sound like a bass. I'm using a pick and the attack is so muffled it's like I'm using a marshmallow, and it sounds more like someone humming than a guitar. When the interface gain is cranked until the peak LED stays solid, the true sounds of the bass emerge - along with great headphone volume. I don't use that setting, I back it down to correct levels.
I've also used my Tascam DP-03SD as a sort of preamp for the bass. Straight through the DP-03SD as dry as it wll allow.
Bass > DP-03SD > Interface > DAW
That helps a great deal with headphone volume while overdubbing.
Now I'm considering a DI box to help with my low (passive bass) guitar volume. Will a straight DI box help that, or would something like a SansAmp Bass DI be needed?
The first track's not a problem as the monitor knob can be turned to full input, which is plenty loud.
Playback is plenty loud, as are all other audio sources (videos, mp3s, etc), so I know it's not the phones.
It's that monitor blend knob on the interface. After setting input levels correctly at the interface and DAW, then adjusting the monitor knob for good balance, there is not enough headphone volume even when turned all the way up - while overdubbing.
Lowering the Track #1 playback fader to hear more Track #2 overdub doesn't work for me.
At this low overdubbing volume level, my bass doesn't even sound like a bass. I'm using a pick and the attack is so muffled it's like I'm using a marshmallow, and it sounds more like someone humming than a guitar. When the interface gain is cranked until the peak LED stays solid, the true sounds of the bass emerge - along with great headphone volume. I don't use that setting, I back it down to correct levels.
I've also used my Tascam DP-03SD as a sort of preamp for the bass. Straight through the DP-03SD as dry as it wll allow.
Bass > DP-03SD > Interface > DAW
That helps a great deal with headphone volume while overdubbing.
Now I'm considering a DI box to help with my low (passive bass) guitar volume. Will a straight DI box help that, or would something like a SansAmp Bass DI be needed?