Greetings from a Louisiana newbie - question regarding sound

[BVTC]

Hello all, I am new here and hope to learn as much as possible while staying true to what I want to do - record tracks.

I have a little background in music and sound - played a large and elaborate keyboard/Synth rig in a (sometimes) touring band, experimented with sound production for film in college, and have spent some time recording in small studios.

THAT SAID, I am a true newbie and a hobbyist. I am trying to make what I have work for my purpose instead of find equipment-based excuses and neglect recording.

As far as recording at home I started with a cheap dynamic mic and a USB mic into a custom PC running a pirated version of Reason (I don't feel good about the piracy, so save it). After some time I got rid of the PC and went MAC. I also retired the mics into the bin of equipment I don't use. For the past 2.5 years I haven't been recording. I've been concentrating on my musicianship, my career outside of music, etc.

Recently I went back to the bin and resurrected a couple things - a Studio Projects B-1 Condenser Mic and my Alesis Multimix 8. Theory is I should be able to run my B-1 into the USB mixer, send the USB signal into the Mac where I can record simple acoustic tracks in the provided GarageBand.

HERE IS THE QUESTION/PROBLEM:

When I monitor my sound (using studio headphones) through the mixer I get a wonderful sound; I can adjust my levels, EQ, apply reverb, pan, etc - AND - with the SPB-1 it sounds amazing. I hit record, finish the session, and playback. IT SOUNDS HORRIBLE. It's thin sounding, some frequencies are all but lost, it's quiet...frankly it sounds like a $50 electric/acoustic plugged directly into a battery powered pocket amplifier.

I check my levels and it all seems right. Even worse, I record some vocals and (besides a bit of ambient room noise) it sounds good. In my mind, if it's working for my voice it should work for my guitar...not so evidently.

Does anyone have any ideas? I'm sure their is something obvious I'm missing. I just want to get back to recording. Any help is appreciated

-Ian, the newest newb of the hour.

 

[mjbphotos]

You mention adjusting levels, EQ, reverb - are you doing this on the mixer or in Garageband? Are you sure you are sending the same signal via USB to your computer as you are listening to? Do you have the "MIX TO CONTROLROOM" button pushed in? I'm guessing that would affect the USB, although I can't read the manual without registering.

 

[Lt. Bob]

I'll let others do the splaining but I did want to comment that I'm a player from Baton Rouge ..... born and bred. Only moved to Fl. after katrin drove all the new orleans folks to BR.
I was back there last Nov. to play @ the Varsity.
So perhaps we've met?

No ...... my name's not Bob.

 

[BVTC]

thanks guys for the response

I figured it out and it was a TRUE NEWBIE mistake. mjbphotos you were pretty close. I was monitoring through the mixer, but I made the mistake when selecting audio input source in the Mac preferences as a different input than the usb interface. So, I'd hear what I like through the mixer but hear a recording from the mac mic.

The only issue now is I don't have much headroom, but I believe that's a cheap mixer into computer issue.

Lt. Bob, I'm living in Baton Rouge now, though I am originally from Portland, OR. To be honest, I have yet to go to a show at the Varsity - but I've shown my face around the Spanish Moon a good bit. Nice meeting you, online or otherwise.

Thanks again guys.

-Ian