Each track I try to record on is always clipping, even with 0 Gain!

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DownTheUpstair

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Hi there, not exactly a full newbie per se, however I've been running into a problem for awhile that I can't understand though I'm sure the solution is probably something simple!

When recording into any new track in Reaper with a guitar going direct into my Focusrite Saffire 6 interface, the track is always clipping, usually by about 1 to 3 dB over 0, even though I have the Gain knob for the input I am using on the interface set to 0, with absolutely no other Gain at all in software or hardware, and a completely dry signal with no plugins or other FX enabled.

I've seen people comment on other threads about lowering the volume knob on the guitar, however I find this affects the tone which I don't like, as well as suggestions to lower the actual volume fader on the track, though I can't see how this would help as it would only lower the volume of the track and not the volume of the actual signal going into the input itself.

Someone suggested that maybe the signal going in is too hot, though this is highly unlikely as I usually use a PRS with passive pickups, and even having tried with an Ibanez using active pickups, there is not much difference between the two. If anyone could offer some sound advice (pun not intended) this would be great as I can't wait to get recording full tracks and feeling demotivated by this constant annoyance! Thanks!

HP 15 Laptop bought new last year, Windows 10 64-bit, CPU 2.16GHz, 4GB RAM
Focusrite Saffire 6 USB interface
 
Phantom (48V) should be off, and Inst (Instrument) should be on.
 
Yes I know that, I only use Phantom for my condenser microphone that requires it, why would I use it for a guitar lol, and yeah the Instrument switch is always on when I record, you get no sound otherwise.
 
This is the newbie area. ;)

I assume this happens on both inputs? Are there any line level inputs in Windows (control panel-->sound) that may have a 'boost' setting enabled? Does the interface come with its own mixer software in Windows? Anything by chance enabled in there that could be messing with the gain?
 
The spec' for the instrument input for the scarlet 6 is identical to that for my 8i6....
"gain +13dB to +60dB. This is so daft I think they have mixed it up with the mic stage gain which is the same.

My KA6 does not give a gain figure for Instru in but does say max input is +8.4dBu. That is a smell over 2volts rms and whilst I am sure there ARE hot humbuckers that could clip it they are rare I think.

As soon as I can I will check the actual input level for -18dBFS on the 8i6 and report back.

Meantime, the loss of "tone" you get backing off the guitar's volume pot is caused by cable capacitance, use a very short one, sub 2mtrs and you should be fine.

Dave.
 
Good point I guess :P

Yes it does happen on both inputs, and there are no boost settings on line level inputs in the Sound menu. There's no mixer software for the Saffire 6 USB, the only mixer software I'm aware of is Saffire MixControl and that only works with their FireWire interfaces, therefore not mine. Can't honestly detect at all the source of the issue and I've been trying to figure it out for weeks.

Also could you tell me what would probably be the best forum area to post this in? I'm new here. I tried to post this in 2 others (Recording Techniques and Digital Recording & Computers) and rather frustratingly has both those posts removed for being "duplicates"? If you can't do that, then how are you supposed to get advice from people with different areas of expertise?! Any help appreciated, thanks!
 
Hi Dave, thanks for your reply, though think there has been a misunderstanding, I'm using the Saffire 6 USB, not the Scarlett 6. I've got the gain knob on the Saffire 6 turned all the way off.

Thanks
 
Have you got a software controlled auto input gain on that audio box? My Roland Quad Capture has a software controller where you can set the level of the input gain between -12 and -6dB. It defaults to -6. I set it to -12. Wish it could go lower.
 
With the Pad switch on, all it seems to do is lower the volume I'm hearing slightly and take a large chunk of the low end with it annoyingly, but it doesn't seem to barely lower the actual input signal at all, there is still audible distortion and it still peaks on the track meter at about -3dB to -4dB as opposed to the kinda -18dB area I'm told is a good sort of area to be aiming for.

And yes the O/L clipping light is flickering as well, less so with the Pad on but still it's a concern that my signal going in should be anywhere near that high, what's going on?! Thanks!
 
Nope, the only ways to control gain are either on the track you're recording into on Reaper, or the actual physical knob on the box itself, there's 1 for each of the two inputs and when testing both have had them both at 0.
 
The whole -18 thing is an average level, not a peak level. Play a chord and look at the meter as it rings out. That should be around -18dbfs, no the the transients.

Of course, if it is still clipping, that is a problem. You might want to get a direct box to plug into the mic input.
 
You've tried both inputs of course. I can't believe your passive pickups are driving the inputs that hard. Are they hot pickups? Have you tried a different guitar? Possibly something is wonky with the input gain on your A/D box. I wonder if there is a trim on the gain knobs that is set by software? I'd delete and reinstall the drivers.
 
"Maximum Input Level for 0 dBFS (minimum gain, with pad): +7 dBu" (thanks Mark)

That is some 1.7V rms and should be more than enough headroom for all be the hottest pickups and even then heavily thrashed.
You say you "lose bottom end" with the pad engaged? This should not happen although lowering volume always give the illusion of less LF. Again, you say "the pad does not influenced the level much"? How much does it not? (iyswim!) You should plainly see the 10dB drop in the softaware meter.

Where in the world are you?

Dave.
 
If it is different from unit to unit, I would be willing to bet that there is a pot inside the unit that adjusts the gain, which simply needs to be tweaked. But if you have absolutely no electronics experience, I'm not sure I would recommend opening the unit up and adjusting things.
 
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