help please

  • Thread starter Thread starter MTY_MEX
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MTY_MEX

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set up:

condenser mic >> tascam 122 >> comp16 compressor (as insert in the tascam) >> tascam 122 >> USB port in a Dell Laptop

I record vocals in Cubase (due to tascam drivers) and export to Audition for mastering..

the compressor was acquired because of clipping while recording, but i have the doubt if I'm doing well because I had to put the INPUT button almost at the right end (opposite to the manufacturer recommendations) and the OUT button to the left of the 0 dB (opposite again!)...

any suggestions??
 
Your condenser Mic needs 'phantom power' to work - do you have phantom power on that Tascam? If so.. do you have it turned on?
 
thanks,

yes, it does have phantom pwr and it is active... I can use the mic/line input button in the tascam to avoid clipping but then the signal gets too low...
 
I'm not sure if you really need the compressor there.
The clipping from the mic is, more than likely, due to too much gain.
Take the compressor out and try just turning the gain down on the Tascam.

From what you're saying of the compressor, it does sound like you're not using it properly. Have you tried switching the insert cable around? Having the input knob at full doesn't sound right at all, espically as you siad the mic was clipping before you put it in.

Have a look at the input/output meter of the comp- is the input really high or low?

Is there an insert on/off button on the tascam (I doubt there is, but worth a look)?

If all else fails, PM me with some pics of your setup and I'll see if I can help more).

PS there's a good article on www.soundonsound.com on how to use a compressor, however with a simple unit like the Comp16 it's scope is well beyond what you are doing
 
After looking at a pic of the 122, try the following:
Make sure the Mic/line-guitar switch is set to mic/line. It looks like a pretty small switch so it might easily be mistaken for being in the wrong position.

Are you in the right insert jack for the line you're using?

Try plugging a pair of headphones into the phones jack. Unplug the insert cable, see what you're getting through the unit. Then plug the insert back in again. If it's drastically quieter, try the following:
Plug one side of the insert jack into the input of the Comp16, and plug a pair of headphones into the output. See if you're getting anything. If so, and it's about as loud as the signal you were getting from the 122, then it's wired the right way. Plug in the other side of the insert lead and you're away. Otherwise switch the lead around and see what happens.

Another thing I just thought of is that the insert lead may not be plugged in firmly enough. Due to the bypasses inside the insert sleeve, you can plug the cable in and have it feel like it's all the way in, but you haven't pushed it far enough. Give it a bit of a shove and make sure that you can't see any of the shaft of the connector.
 
many thanks, the insert was in the wrong place... now I have confirmed that the comprssor is performing properly its function (and knobs set as expected!)..

however I still have one doubt: if I set down the tascam input knob the compressor works fine, but then I cannot hear well while recording..

this is the complete setup:

vocals: condenser mic >> tascam US122 >> compressor >> tascam US122 then via USB to laptop and via RCA outputs to Behringer UB802 mixer >> headphones

audio: karaoke machine >> Behringer UB802 mixer >> headphones

this is to listen both music and vocals while recording in a small 1.5 x 1.5 m accoustic booth I made myself..

PS in order to completely avoid distortion I have to perform recording in a very low level, but then even though I amplify 5 or 6 dBs the voice is lower as compared to the audio, and if I amplify louder (say 10 dB), the voice gets distorted in some parts..

any suggestion??
 
Instead of going through the computer to monitor, simply take one of the line/headhpone outputs from the 122 into the 802.
Firstly, this will eliminate any latency caused by sending the signal through your computer, and, secondly, the software you are using may be a bit picky on how it outputs the monitor signal.

I think your problem with the levels could come from a number of sources, ranging from your settings to the way you sing.

Try setting the gain on the Tascam and the Input/Output settigns on the Comp16 to about 12 O'clock. Switch the Comp16's monitor switch to "input".
Have a look where the needle goes when you sing your loudest. Is it hitting the red section? If so, turn down the Input gain until even the loudest sections don't reach the red.
Now switch to Output monitoring and do the same.

Give that a try and let us know how you go.
 
thank you very much again..

it was just matter of settings, I did the way you told me (knobs at 12 o'clock) and start moving veeeery slowly both the tascam line input and the input and output knobs on the COMP16.. now I don't hit the red section and I can hear me as well while I'm recording..

you are my new hero. if anytime you come to Monterrey, Mexico, please let me know..
 
heh, if I can ever afford to leave Aus, I'll keep it in mind.
Good to hear a happy customer.
 
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