clipping question?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nathan1984
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Nathan1984

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I am running direct into my tascam us800 and using vst amp sims and impulses for my guitars. I have been told that it shouldn't clip when recording direct. Well, I have my gain all the way down on my interface, if I turn the gain up anymore then it clips in sonar. Should I just make sure it isn't clipping on the interface and turn the gain up, or should I just continue to record with the gain on my interface all the way down?
 
I think the US800 lacks a 'hi-gain' option. It's combo inputs are mic/line. Hi-Z stuff, like most electric guitars will not be well handled by either mic or line option. Simplest, probably cheapest, way to correct this is a DI box. Something like this: IMP 2 - Catalog - Whirlwind. Not specifically recommending this box and there are dozens or hundreds of others at prices ranging from $20-1000, this one should be able to found for under $40 new. Radial options will be more expensive but have things to justify the expense. I think both Samson and ART have options cheaper then the Whirlwind.

DI (used to be understood to mean 'Direct Injection' now take your pick) is used to match levels . . . get an output of one device to match range of what is expected by an input (in OPs case getting electric guitar to match the interface mic input) and a passive box (like the whirlwind listed) will provide passive impedance matching that can further reduce impact of noise, distortion and/or ground loops.

Practically a DI should let you use the interface gain to produce usable signal for the DAW.
 
Always defer to the meter in your DAW. It is much more accurate than the clip light on your interface. If sonar says you are clipping, then you are clipping.

There is nothing wrong with having the gain knob all the way down, if that's where it has to be in order to get the level you need.
 
Ok, thanks man. I do have a line 6 ux2 as well, that I could use to do guitars if I wanted to I suppose.
 
Inputs 1/2 on the US800 are supposed to be 'Instrument' inputs. It worked fine for me with bass guitar. Possible that Nathan's pickups are active, and a bit hot for the unit. A DI might be an answer if the level is just out of control. Fairview is correct tho, if it sounds good, and your levels are good in DAW, then who gives a crap what your input level on the Tascam is. It is what it takes to get it right. Get tone, don't stress on knob position. :)
 
Especially, if the knob in spandex is a cucumber wrapped in foil..
 
I have a us 800 and I run the guitars direct. I have rhythm guitar and bass in channels 1 and 2 with the gain all the way down and there is no clipping. Lead guitar is running into a guitar preamp and then to one of the line level channels. If your guitar is active you might wanna try some of the channels on the back.
 
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