Magix Music Studio 10

[fetchwood]

I use a 4 track TASCAM 414mkII and the Music Studio 10 from Magix. To me, the sound from my cassette recording is pretty weak, so I'm wondering if that's because the machine bites or maybe it's just me (I've been told that my Vai impression REALLY sucks.)

Also, when I run a line out and into my LINE IN hole in my computer, the WAV file I create with Magix is so faint that I can't hear it--even though when I just use the recorder and the computer as a monitor, the sound is fine.

Any reason why I don't get good sound?

 

[A Reel Person]

A couple quick points:...

1) The 414mkII should be capable of making a recording that's acceptable and does not sound "weak", given that you use the right tape, have the right settings and keep the heads clean. If you record a signal up to 0VU, you should get a playback signal that's roughly equal to 0VU. Any big discrepancy between record and playback response may point to a problem with the recorder.

2) Your Vai impression may very well suck, but the recorder should be able to capture it in all it's sucky glory.

3) Magix 10 should be capable of making a recording that sounds almost exactly like the original source, given that you have all the settings set correctly and you are recording at proper levels. The Magix MS titles I am familiar with have a "level meter" display that's very accurate.

4) On the 'puter side, you must select your sound settings, "advanced", and go to the "record" side of the adjustments. The "playback" and "record" side of the levels on the (menu) 'puter settings are separate. Your playback levels may be set fine, but your record levels may be muted or improperly adjusted. This is a tricky little feature that needs to be checked. Sound-Volume-control>Advanced>Record>Line-in.

So, as with e'thing, there are several links in the chain where your breakdown may occur. From the basic description on your post, I think it's the "record" settings of your soundcard.

 

[ssscientist]

If all of Mega-Dav-Analog-o-maniac's suggestions don't solve the problem, you can download Audacity and use the 'amplify' effect to increase the level of the wav file.