Input level from mixer to DAW will not even reach close to 0 db

  • Thread starter Thread starter Regar
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Regar

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Hi all, I just bought a new Yamaha MG12XU mixer and connect to my DAW with the USB output to the pc, but when I fire up Adobe Audition and look at my meter level wont get above about -30db,way to low for recording anything, and I have made sure all the windows volume and recording sliders are all the way up, it will record but only a tiny wave file....any thoughts ? ....thanks in advance:thumbs up:
 
What is the signal source, what channel are you using, how are you setting the input gain on the mixer, what does the mixer's meter read when you solo the channel?

Does the mixer need a specific driver and are you using it instead of the stock Windows USB audio driver?
 
oops sorry,yeah im recording a whole setup , drums bass guitar etc, all instruments do peg around 0db on the mixer with minor or no clipping but just cant get the same result on recording software and there dosent seem to be any way to adjust the output level on the board for the usb out to the pc
 
it does require a driver which I installed from the Yamaha website
 
Regar said:
level wont get above about -30db,way to low for recording anything
Click to expand...
Now I'm not saying that something isn't wrong -- Certainly, something isn't right. But you aren't even supposed to be in the same ZIP code as -0.0dBFS at your input. And I make recordings all the time where the "meat" of everything is riding around -30dBFS.

Again - I assume something isn't quite right with your setup as it is (although I don't have enough information to hazard a guess at this point). But I just want to make it clear that -30dBFS, although somewhat on the low side, is anything but "way too low to record anything" by any stretch. The whole beauty of digital is to be able to have boatloads of clean & clear headroom at lower voltages.

[/digression]
 
Regar said:
oops sorry,yeah im recording a whole setup , drums bass guitar etc, all instruments do peg around 0db on the mixer with minor or no clipping but just cant get the same result on recording software and there dosent seem to be any way to adjust the output level on the board for the usb out to the pc
Click to expand...

If channels solo at around 0dBVU they shouldn't be anywhere near clipping. Are you setting them to peak at 0dBVU? That might be a bit low and explain the low digital levels but I'm not convinced that that's the root of the problem. Typically, 0dBVU ends up around -20dBFS to -16dBFS (FS means digital full scale) and you don't need any more than that. Yes, as Massive says it's not a problem in digital to have levels like -30dBFS, but if the analog side of things isn't right it may be imparting analog noise which will come up if you boost the level. I don't think that is the solution, as I'm sure he'd agree.
 
What levels do the meters on the mixer show? You are plugging the mics into the XLR plugs no the jack Plugs?

Alan.
 
Well, a few things.

First and foremost, the mixer meters are calibrated in dB(VU) while Audition (and pretty well any DAW) is calibrated in dB(FS). What this means is that 0dB on the mixer should be equivalent to roughly -18dB on your DAW so you're not that far off.

Second, the driver download for your mixer says it's for Steinberg so that implies it's probably ASIO. If so, the Windows Audio settings should be completely bypassed so if they're adjusting anything, something is set wrong. Assuming you're on Audition 5.5 or later, go to Edit/Preferences/Audio Hardware and make sure the device class is set to ASIO and that the driver is set for the Yamaha one.

Some drivers have a control you can call up in Windows to set sample rate, level, etc. I don't know if the Yamaha driver has this but it's worth checking

Third, there's an attenuator for the USB output from your computer into the mixer. This doesn't sound like your problem but have a read of page 28 of the manual anyway.

Finally, in Audition are you monitoring the input levels or the playback. If playback, make sure the mixer isn't turned down for some reason.
 
I know this is not what you want to hear, but take it from someone who wasted a ton of money going the mixer route, return it and get a good interface, for the same money you can get something with 8 preamps as well as other inputs such as the Tascam 16x08. it's much easier too.:D
 
The usual problem with basic, non ASIO USB audio is TOO MUCH signal in record! Usually the level in Win Audio Devices menu is slammed to 100% but in this case maybe it has been set to 1 or 2%?

Yamaha do say "might need a USB driver" but at no point (looked the drivers from the link in manual) do they say they are ASIO drivers. Not sure what happens with Cubase? Might be worth installing that and checking. I suspect the driver might be ASIO4ALL?

And yes, I tend to agree, USB mixers can be more trouble than they are worth, tho' this one IS 24 bits.

Dave.
 
Thank you all for your knowledge and replies on this issue , I now have more knowledge about what could be going on. thanks again !
 
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