Guitar too loud via audio interface's direct monitoring, while recording (solved)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ally-007
  • Start date Start date
A

Ally-007

Member

Guitar too loud via audio interface's direct monitoring, while recording...​

I've been struggling with this problem for a while. When recording an electric guitar, via my Behringer UMC202HD audio interface, the direct monitoring signal is too loud, relative to the already-recorded tracks. Unfortunately, the interface doesn't have a volume knob exclusively for the direct monitoring signal. When the recording levels on the interface are set optimally for recording via the interface, direct monitoring is just too loud, relative to the already-recorded tracks playing, such that I can't hear those tracks (or the DAW's metronome) properly, underneath the direct monitoring of the guitar. Is there an easy workaround for this (apart from buying a different audio interface, with a volume knob that's dedicated solely to the direct monitoring signal, if there are such things)? I'm hoping it's something blindingly simple that I've just overlooked! Many thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Can you turn up the playback level from the DAW? Maybe use Windows' audio control panel.
 
bouldersoundguy said:
Can you turn up the playback level from the DAW? Maybe use Windows' audio control panel.
Click to expand...
Perhaps that is the answer. I will explore that possibility. Thank you! I'm using the audio interface as my audio in and audio out, though, but I will delve into it, tomorrow. I wish I had opted for the UMC204HD instead of the UMC202HD. The 204HD has a mix knob that balances DAW output with the DM signal, I just found out.
 
Last edited:
So the output knob doesn't control the monitor level? If not, can you turn down the input?
 
markmann said:
So the output knob doesn't control the monitor level? If not, can you turn down the input?
Click to expand...
No, the output knob controls everything together (direct monitoring and DAW output). If the input levels are set to compete suitably in the recorded mix, the guitar sounds too loud via direct monitoring. The only solution I've found is to not use direct monitoring, which isn't ideal, due to latency.
 
Ally-007 said:
Windows volume control was indeed the solution! It was that simple! Not sure why I didn't think of that. Thanks a million, Bouldersoundguy! :-):-):-)
Click to expand...
Therefore might I aver, you were not using ASIO drivers? That would account for the high latency. Mind you I am not sure there IS a decent ASIO drive for the UMC202?

It is these operational things that improve greatly when you move up to better gear.

Dave.
 
I think there is an ASIO driver, but I couldn't find any indication of a control panel. That's why I suggested the Windows panel.
 
bouldersoundguy said:
I think there is an ASIO driver, but I couldn't find any indication of a control panel. That's why I suggested the Windows panel.
Click to expand...
I don't think there is an ASIO driver for the 202. It is a while ago and a lot of meds since I bought my 204HD but I am pretty sure it was because it was the cheapest model to have such drivers?

But, good to know the chap is sorted!

Dave.
 
ecc83 said:
Therefore might I aver, you were not using ASIO drivers? That would account for the high latency.
Click to expand...
Yes, the UMC202HD driver seems to include a "UMC ASIO driver", which is what use. I didn't know ASIO drivers cause latency; I thought they were supposed to reduce latency!
 
Last edited:
Ally-007 said:
Yes, the UMC202HD driver seems to include a "UMC ASIO driver", which is what use. I didn't know ASIO drivers cause latency. I thought they were supposed to reduce latency.
Click to expand...
They generally cause less latency than stock Windows drivers. It can get it pretty low, but it can't eliminate it. Typically, you have to select it in your DAW preferences. The ASIO driver usually has its own control panel that lets you adjust buffering (that affects latency) and some levels.
 
Ally-007 said:
Yes, the UMC202HD driver seems to include a "UMC ASIO driver", which is what use. I didn't know ASIO drivers cause latency. I thought they were supposed to reduce latency.
Click to expand...
ASIO drivers do not CAUSE latency. That is a function of the computer system, the interface and how good whatever drivers are employed. Latency is inherent in PC sound, all we can do is try to make it low enough to make playing a soft synth say, a reasonably easy task*

I suspect the UMC 202 provides the "ASIO4ALL" driver? This was a useful 'get out' in its day but gear should REALLY have decent ASIO drivers these days!

*And it AIN'T rocket science! five or so years ago I bought a Native Instruments KA6 and the drivers were/are superbly stable and allow 64 sample work with a quite modest computer. My MOTU M4 is much later, about the same sort of price and if anything has even better drivers. Last time I looked Thomann were practically GIVING the KA6 Mk2 away!

Dave.
 
ecc83 said:
ASIO drivers do not CAUSE latency. That is a function of the computer system, the interface and how good whatever drivers are employed. Latency is inherent in PC sound, all we can do is try to make it low enough to make playing a soft synth say, a reasonably easy task*

I suspect the UMC 202 provides the "ASIO4ALL" driver? This was a useful 'get out' in its day but gear should REALLY have decent ASIO drivers these days!
Click to expand...
When I bought my UMC202HD, about two years ago, the Behringer website offered their "UMC ASIO driver" for the UMC202HD. However, I think some problems were reported and now they no longer offer that driver as far as I can see. People were recommending using ASIO4all instead, and that's what I use, and it seems to work fine with the UMC202HD.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top