Getting a louder mix overall

[Will25]

Hi, I'm recording on a Tascam 488 and going though an EMU 0204 to get it on my computer...the thing is, the monitor level on the tascam have to be way down, as do the gain knobs on the Emu, aswell well as the mic input level on the computer to avoid clipping...is this normal and is there a way round this? thanks!

 

[Massive Master]

Are you running line level signals into mic level inputs...?

 

[mjbphotos]

Why are you going from the EMU to the mic input of the computer? The EMU is a USB audio interface, the signal should be going via USB to your computer, substituting for your computer's soundcard.

 

[JimmyS1969]

Why are you going from the EMU to the mic input of the computer? The EMU is a USB audio interface, the signal should be going via USB to your computer, substituting for your computer's soundcard.

Yeah, sound like you are doing it wrong.

 

[Will25]

Sorry, should of made that clearer - I'm plugging it into the USB but in audacity the input/recording level (not the mic level) has to be set really low.

 

[ecktronic]

This sounds like a monitoring problem. Turn your monitors up. If you cannot turn your monitors up then I would suggest looking into a new speaker amp and/or new speakers.

G

 

[Will25]

I don't actually have monitor speakers, but the master faders on the tascam have to be at about 2-3 max to avoid clipping...just seems strange :/

 

[aaronmcoleman]

I"m a little confused about what's going on, but mixed songs are much quieter than we are used to hearing finished songs. Unmastered it should be quieter. To get the volume up usually most just have to turn up their monitors. But if that isn't working for you, either your speakers are too quiet, you're recording too low (unlikely), or you have something else in your signal chain messed up.