Question for Delta 66 Cake/Sonar users

[Mikey H]

I am having trouble with the over all volume in my final mixes and I was wondering what output settings I should have in my Delta 66 control panel. The options are -10db, Consumer, and +4db. My Inputs are currently set to +4db and my outputs to -10db. Should any of these settings affect the volume in the export audio option when finishing a track? I don't get it, my meters are hitting near 0 and I have even used the Waves Ultramaximizer to boost levels some but I don't feel like the volume is there. I'm guessing its a settin I'm missing in Sonar somewhere or in my Soundcards menu. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Mikey.

 

[dachay2tnr]

The +4db/-10db switches need to be set to match to the equipment you are connecting to. And yes, it can/will make a significant difference in volume, but only when sending the signal through your soundcard (e.g., out to your speakers). It will not effect an the volume of an internal mixdown on the computer (e.g., the export audio command).

Generally +4db is for pro equipment (mixers, etc.) while -10db is for consumer equipment (cassette decks, CD players). If you're not sure, try checking the manuals for your equipment.

 

[Mikey H]

Thanks for the reply. I am using a Mackie 1604vlz mixer so I guess I should have my outputs set to +4db in my Delta 66 output menu. Another concern is that if volume isn't affected while mixing down in software my final mix (even with ultramaximizer used) is still low in volume. I really only notice when I burn to cd. When I play the track in Sonar it sounds like its at a good volume and I can always boost the volume for playback with my mixer but when I burn to cd it doesn't sound close to the volume of a cd and its very disappointing. You can hear the track fine but it is just nowhere near the volume of a regular cd. Could it be my CD burning software? I understand that commercially made cd's get sent off to be mastered on expensive hardware. Just looking to improve what I can do out of my home studio. Thanks in advance for any tips or advice.

 

[dachay2tnr]

You should be able to get relatively close to commercial CD volumes with the L1. Are you using it properly? If so, then I might suspect you are not recording your tracks well to begin with.

(This is from memory, so bear with me) You want to set the L1 output setting to around -0.1 or -0.2 db. Then start lowering your threshhold value. The lower you drop the threshhold, the more you will compress the mix and increase your overall volume. However, overdoing it will cause you to lose dynamic range, and can also cause distortion. The trick is to drop the threshhold as low as you can before it starts doing bad things to the music. You need to use your ears. (BTW, fwiw, I only normally use the L1 on an exported stereo wave file.)

On the other subject, if both the ins and outs to your soundcard are connected to the Mackie, then yes, set the Delta to +4db on all your inputs and outputs. I have a Delta 1010 that I'm using with a Mackie. The 1010 has hardware switches to toggle from -10db to +4db. It sounds like your 66 has software switching. Either way, +4db is correct for your Mackie.

 

[Jim Y]

As Sonar "computes" the Export Audio .wav, your soundcards output gain is irrelevant. To get an idea of the true level of the your mix, ensure you're not adding boost with the output fader as this will not affect the level of the generated .wav.