Troubleshooting - wont record

[CEllisMusic]

Hi, I have recently bought a Tascam US- 1641 Audio Midi Interface...and it wont let me record...i will say my set up first...

I have a microphone plugged into an XLR input on the TASCAM, it has phantom power...when i listen through the headphones i can hear it all...the microphone works etc....then i have ONE lead going from the usb connection in the back...to my macbook pro.
I go into Garageband/Logic and have put Both of my input and output as the TASCAM US-1641. I have my headphones plugged in to my TASCAM still, and when i go to record...i can hear my voice on the tascam...but cannot hear the backing track from the macbook or any audio...and my macbook doesnt pick up any sound from the microphone...although it picks up there is a US-1641 connected...where am i going wrong :'(

 

[diggy_dude]

Are GarageBand and Logic both trying to use the interface at the same time? If so, try it with just one or the other.

 

[CEllisMusic]

no, seperate

 

[buzzard bass]

I'm assuming you've installed the drivers for the interface.

 

[CEllisMusic]

well from the cd they gave me yes...

 

[sockswithshoes]

First make sure it is in the usb port closest to the power adapter, I don't know why but I once had a similar problem and this worked.

Next try restarting the computer while the tascam is connected and on. Then go apple>system preferences>sound
In this menu make sure the output and input of the computer are selected as the Tascam.

Next open up Logic. Go Logic>preferences>audio.

Crank the gain on the preamp up.
Select the input the mic is going into as the input to record on logic and arm the track to record. Hit record.

Hopefully this works. If not write back and let me know if a wave form is being recorded but it just shows no sign of a waveform.

I know you said you selected the tascam in the daw but sometimes you also need to select it in the computers preferences.
Make sure the tascam is selected as both the out put in the input.

 

[CEllisMusic]

Hi i did what you said...went onto apple...didnt even recognise tascam was connected...i tried both usb ports and still didnt...its on and off sometimes it recognises its connected and sometimes it dont. whats going on :S

 

[buzzard bass]

Great advice their san, hope it works.

 

[AndreiR]

I use this interface with PC and Reaper. It woks flawlessly. Is your USB - 2.0?
You also have to specify in your software preferences which interface's input you use. Also download the latest driver. The supplied CD might be not having the latest one.
Hope this works.

 

[CEllisMusic]

Im using macbook pro latest one...so it must be...its ment to be one thats good for macs!! and how do u mean which interface;s input...also i downlaoded 2.0 off the website...latest one it seems is there...still nothing...infact it wont even recognise it now

 

[CEllisMusic]

ahh bingo...i managed to make a recording...but...i put both output and input as tascam...i could record and hear my voice...but none of the backing on logic was coming through...and to playback i had to change output to built in output and then put my headphones into the macbook....

 

[AndreiR]

Im using macbook pro latest one...so it must be...its ment to be one thats good for macs!!

The driver for your interface (US-1641) must be the latest -- you can download it from the Tascam's website.

and how do u mean which interface;s input...also i downlaoded 2.0 off the website...latest one it seems is there...still nothing...infact it wont even recognise it now

The interface has 10 inputs on it's face panel. They are numbered 1-10 with corresponding volume/gain knobs on the right. So you have to specify in your Garageband/Logic (I am not familiar with those) which input do you plugged your microphone in. This is very important.

 

[CEllisMusic]

ive sorted out that part now...its the playback...and listening to audio from the computer whilst i sing...it wont play any audio from my mac...through the tascam to come out of the headphones tht are connected too the tascam

 

[AndreiR]

Sorry, I don't really understand what you are saying.
Anyway... try the knob MIX on the right bottom of the interface. It adjusts how much of the input and output you hear at the same time. If it's all the way left (counterclockwise) , then you might hear only you mic and nothing that comes from out of your computer.

 

[CEllisMusic]

perfect...thats what i was talking about...i twisted it and heard both my voice and the music from my laptop....its 1:30 am in england...and youve made me a happy guy!!! thank you...i'll upload a link to my first video when i done it

 

[AndreiR]

I am glad to hear that! Looking forward to see your video!

 

[buzzard bass]

Give this man a cigar! AndreiR, you are a steely eyed missile man. It won't let me leave positive rep for the same post twice, but don't think I didn't try.

 

[AndreiR]

Time to pour another glass of two-buck-chuck wine!!!