Distortion problems

[WildOrchid]

Hello

I'm a NEWBIE , my problem is I'm getting a lot of distortion on my audio. I am currently working with MBOX and all my equipment is brand new. The thing about it is that for a few min. it will clear up and I'm able to record then it starts up again . PLEASE HELP. I have checked my cables and even taken my mic and MBOX to be tested at a local music store, but they were no help . thanks

 

[thane1200]

more info please.

What are you recording? What are your computer specs? When do you get the distrtion? Let us know and we will try to help.

 

[Rokket]

It's possible you are setting your recording levels too high and are getting clipping, but I need more information about your recording chain.

 

[WildOrchid]

I'm using an HP PAVILLION 1.8GHZ 256MB + I added another 260MB . I get the distortion for the moment I plug in . Like I said for like a min. or two it will clear up and I can record , but then it will start again. I live next to a Bart station could that have something to do with it ?

 

[WildOrchid]

forgot to mention , I recording the basics vocal , instruments no MIDI yet.

 

[AlexW]

What kind of microphone are you using? What do you have the preamps at the Mbox set too (mic, line, etc.)? How are you monitoring out from the Mbox? Is the distortion getting recorded onto your tracks? What version of Protools are you using?

 

[WildOrchid]

I'm using MBOX W/ PRO TOOLS LE it's set to MIC . and a MXL 990 Condenser mic WITH 48V PHANTOM Power. I took it twice to be tested at guitar center and they got a clear signal. So I don't know what's going on.

 

[WildOrchid]

The distortion is being recorded to the tracks and I can hear it from both my headphones(NADY QH560) and monitors ( nEAR05 POWERED)

 

[Rokket]

I'm using an HP PAVILLION 1.8GHZ 256MB + I added another 260MB . I get the distortion for the moment I plug in . Like I said for like a min. or two it will clear up and I can record , but then it will start again. I live next to a Bart station could that have something to do with it ?

I am not sure what a Bart station is...

Is it a train station? Electric trains?

Maybe. Have you tried recording somewhere besides your home to see if that was it?

 

[AlexW]

Are you using a balanced microphone cable with XLR connectors at both ends?

And Rokket--the Bart is a train (Bay Area Rapid Transit).

 

[WildOrchid]

Yes I am using a XLR cable . I even tried changing the UPC cable.

 

[Rokket]

Are you using a balanced microphone cable with XLR connectors at both ends?

And Rokket--the Bart is a train (Bay Area Rapid Transit).

OK... I guess it could cause a problem, but I am thinking it would be more sporatic. This happens everytime you plug in? There may be a connection inside the pc that is loose, since you said it happens with other cables as well as an XLR...

 

[WildOrchid]

I never thought about that. What should I do?

 

[AlexW]

What USB port on your computer are you plugging into? Do you have a second one you could try? I know that Digi Design recommends connecting the Mbox directly to a USB port on your computer (not to an external hub or device).

 

[WildOrchid]

Maybe that is what I am doing wrong. Last night I tried putting it in the main USB port , but the comp view it as a new program and wanted to install Pro Tools again so I didn't continue, but I'm going to try it anyways and see what I get.

 

[AlexW]

Yeah, I know that's a requirement for a Mac, so could apply to PC as well. You might also check the Digi Design website to make sure you have all the update drivers/firmware for the Mbox and your computer.

 

[WildOrchid]

By the way Alex and Rokket ,thanks for the advice. What program do you use? Also I was thinking of buying an effects processor . Do you think it would be worth it with Pro Tools?

 

[Rokket]

By the way Alex and Rokket ,thanks for the advice. What program do you use? Also I was thinking of buying an effects processor . Do you think it would be worth it with Pro Tools?

I use Sony Vegas 5.0. It's a bit costly. I think you can find it places for around $450 - $600.. I am seriously considering ntrack. It's much cheaper, and I've run into a couple unexpected problems with Vegas (not something that's common, and probably won't happen to anyone else, but I still feel it's time to change).

As far as the processor, that's up to you. I personally don't have an opinion on them. I had one when they first came out and they weren't that great then. They've come a long way. If you feel you need one, get it. Pro tools is good, but I think if you want to record with the effects, the processor is probably a better way to go.
There is a thread in the guitar forum about them. You should go check it out.

 

[AlexW]

I use Protools. I had an Mbox for awhile but am now using a Digi 002R interface. I run it on a Macintosh G4 rather than PC. You might want an external compressor but other than that I don't think you'd get much use out of another external effects box at this point. Just tryout the plugins in Protools and see if you like them. The Mbox is limited in its ability to use external effects boxes. Basically, you would just use something on the recorded signal going in. A compressor could be useful to avoid peaks which might clip your inputs on the way in. Beyond that you probably want to do your processing on the recorded signal once it's in Protools in case you end up not liking it and/or want to make changes. If the effect is printed to the track you record your options are more limited.