what do i do when the volume on the mixer is to low but its clipping?

[videodrone]

on my dig recorded (Roland 1680) When I try recording bass, it clips right away, so i adjust teh trim first adn make sure all other levels are set to zero, but after trim is adjust so theres no clips, the volume ends up showing on teh monitors as to low, there not hitting teh 12db were they should be,

what can i do to get my levels were they should be and not clip?

 

[muttley]

Have you tried turning down the bass itself, then bring up the trim alittle on your Roland?

 

[videodrone]

Yeah, I tried that right away,

Whether I turn the trim up all the way and the volume up minimal, or the Volume on teh amp up all the way and the trim minimal, I get the same levels and clipping,

(also the master and track faders are set to zero)

The level peaks around 6db, and it clips after that.

How do I get teh level to the suggested 12 db?,

 

[muttley]

When you say 12db, I'm assumeing thats -12db from 0db, Try another input, try another item into the same input.
You may have a malfuncky cable from bass, or output from bass, or a bad input in the 1680, see if its OK, not loose or wobbly or crud inside the input. Check the cable to see if its OK, no shorts or opens in it. If the bass has an active P/U, see that the battery is secure/or fresh? Battery holder not loose or broken?

If non of this works, plug bass in another mixer and play/listen and see if the signal is consistant or does it jump around in different levels?

Plug another instrument in the same channel that you are haveing trouble with and see if the problem persists. I hope this helps if not do a hey MUTTLEY


da MUTT

 

[maestro_dmc]

Good advice Mutt!

I will say that you should bypass the Amp and record the bass direct.

Doesn't the 1680 have a guitar/bass input? If so use it, it will probably eliminate the problem. If not try a direct box, instead of the amp, and go into a mic channel.

Kind of sounds like an impedance mismatch.

Any chance there is an effect left on that you may have forgotten about that is affecting the input signal?

 

[muttley]

THANKS MAESTRO!

KUDO'S to you too. Your ideas are steller also.

PLEASE let us know videoD what helps if you would.


da MUTT

 

[SS454]

Is it a line/mic issue? Sounds like it might be. You should remedy the problem. Don't just go in direct and call it quits, you should be able to record teh cab too.

 

[videodrone]

Im not sure what it is, but it is very frustarating!

thanks for all teh advice, ill, so far im still stuck though, tonite, Im going to do some more recording and experiment more with your guys suggestions,

definantly let you knwo what happens

 

[Chibi Nappa]

Is your bass going into an effects processor before hitting the recorder? Make sure that it is not the effects processor that is clipping. That happens to me all the time. I'm recording somebody, my levels say everything is OK, but we hear nasty clipping. It always turns out to be one of their user made presets that they went overboard with. They turn several settings way down, clipping goes away, recording continues.

 

[videodrone]

i either recorded the bass direct or mic'ing a cab, I got the same problems with both techniques,

to bad for me i guess,

 

[muttley]

Did you try another in put on your Roland?