'Boosting' my synth

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microchip

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For some time I have tried to resolve a problem when recording from my Roland synth. Basically, I hook the left and rights of my synth into the 1 & 2 input of my Delta 44. But, for some reason, I have to put the synth's volume at full and the soundcard's volume at full to get a decent level of recording on my computer. Even then, there are still some tracks that after they are recorded I have to trim the volume up to get to a 'normal' level.

And while people in this BBS have talked to me about the synth not working right, I just don't think that is it. Other than just a lower output than I think it should have, everything else works and it wouldn't even be an issue to me, but by the time I do have to turn a few tracks up, there is hiss and 'air' in the tracks.

So, what device can I hook up between my synth and sound card that will increase the output into the computer?
 
You need DI's

Some synths dont have enough output some do.
It's not your synth thats the problem (unless it's broken)

Does the Delta have a mic in?If not you will need a set of pre's.
 
I appreciate the response, now for my next question, what is a DI, and what do you mean by a 'pre'. I know there are a lot of pre-amps out there, but are there ones made just for this sort of thing, or is a pre-amp just a pre-amp?
 
MC,

> I have to put the synth's volume at full and the soundcard's volume at full to get a decent level <

This is normal and I doubt you need a DI. A DI is used to connect an instrument like an electric bass that has no preamp. Your synth already has a line-level output, which should be plenty. I suspect the real problem is simply a setting in your Delta 44.

I have a Delta 66, not a 44, but I believe the control panel and settings are the same. Go to the Delta's control panel and click the "Hardware Settings" tab. In the lower right corner you have an option to set the input sensitivity. They're probably set to +4 now, so change them to either -10 or Consumer.

--Ethan
 
Ethan,

This is something I have already done with my Delta a while back. And, it did help, but still not quite to the point that I would like because I am still having to turn up the tracks too much after I record them. But I still appreciate the answer.

Would the Audio Buddy be a good solution for me?
 
Re: Re: 'Boosting' my synth

Ethan Winer said:
MC,

> I have to put the synth's volume at full and the soundcard's volume at full to get a decent level <

This is normal and I doubt you need a DI. A DI is used to connect an instrument like an electric bass that has no preamp. Your synth already has a line-level output, which should be plenty
--Ethan
Click to expand...

I have to disagree with you there Ethan.
Many synths even more so the older models dont have a strong enough output and need a DI. I have come across quite a few that wouldn't put out enough signal to get a noise free recording.

If he did make the change to-10 and still has the problem he will need a DI.

As with bass.... some actuly have enough output to go directly to mixer with out a DI - those with active pickups.

One more thing you might try is to see if you can bring the output up inside your synth.
Look into editing the specific patch and look for an option called something like "output" or "Gain" and set a higher dB.
 
MC,

> This is something I have already done with my Delta a while back. <

If you set the Delta control panel inputs to -10, I guess that's as much gain as you can get. Darn, I'd hoped it would be easy. :)

> Would the Audio Buddy be a good solution for me? <

I'm not familiar with that device, but I now agree with Shailat that a DI will help, which you can plug into a mike input.

One last thought: How loud are you actually able to record? If you can get the signal to within 10 dB. of zero, that's probably close enough.

--Ethan
 
Re: Re: Re: 'Boosting' my synth

Shailat,

> Many synths even more so the older models dont have a strong enough output and need a DI. <

Yes, I now agree. I was hoping it'd be as simple as that input sensitivity setting.

> One more thing you might try is to see if you can bring the output up inside your synth. <

Excellent advice.

--Ethan
 
> One more thing you might try is to see if you can bring the output up inside your synth. <

I agree ... that's a good place to look first ...
I have a Kurzweil and they actually say in the manual that they intentionally left the main output signal low and recommend increasing the gain at the program setting, if needed. It's a pain, but it works. I'd check the manual for your Roland and see if you can do something similar.
 
I always recorded synths with a mixer for this very reason. If you can afford a very simple but clean little mackie or daresay a Behringer it will give you the extra bump you need.

I have yet to record a keyboard straight into a recorder with adequate results.
 
My keyboard is even more of a pain to record. Since it's a "Home grade" Yamaha, it only has a headphone output, which is also noisy as they get. The only way to get a really goos sound out of it is (get this!) plug it into a couble of DI boxes, turn on the attenuator (-20dB) to lower it down to Mic level, and get rid of the noise at the same time, and then plug it into a couple of pre-amps in my mixer, giving it about 10dB of gain.
You can imagine how many hairs I ripped out of my forehead until I figured it out :D

Oren
 
I appreciate all the answers and everyone has given me something to try. If it comes down to it however, I will (if nothing else works) probably be a pre-amp of some kind.

And Ethan,

Yes, in some cases I can get the input up to about -10, but the problem is still that with some instruments on my synth it is not quite getting there, and as I said at the start, I can only get there with my synth volume at max and that seems to create from floor noise from the synth.

I'll start with the synth settings and work my way out.

Thanks everyone again.

'Chip
 
I use a two-pronged approach.

I duplicate tracks with unused channels on the other Port of this synth. And I run the synth out through a tube mic pre/ A/D converter known as the dbx 386. Gives me a little extra boost without adding a lot of noise.
 
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