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dwiller · Posts: 29

I recently installed an Echo Mia sound card and I'm wondering how I now set record levels within CEP? When I used the built-in sound capability of my motherboard I could use the Windows Mixer to adjust record levels. I understand this no longer works now that I have the Mia installed but I was expecting to do essentially the same thing with the Mia Console program. It turns out that adjusting the input levels within the Mia Console program has no effect on the recording level within CEP. After reading the Mia documentation I see it's supposed to work this way.

I don't understand why upgrading to a high quality sound card causes me to loose the useful functionality that I used to have using the cheapo, built-in sound setup. What do I have to adjust record levels within CEP? I want to record some cassette tapes and I want to make sure they are recorded at an optimal level.

AndyH · Posts: 1425

If the line out on your tape deck is fixed, the only way you can adjust the recording input level is to go through a mixer or the line out of a preamp (rather than the more normal record or tape out). This is the way with almost every high quality sound card. High quality sound starts at the source, and the level needs to be controlled there.

If the input as you get it from the tape deck does not clip, it is probably just fine. As long as the average level isn't too far below -15/-20dB you are getting enough signal to use everything the cassette can provide.

codifus · Posts: 36

I am starting to experience this awkward situation as well with the Mia. I record FM broadcasts regularly, and FM being FM, the quality of the broadcast is not worth recording in 24 bit, so I record in 16 bit. But, a 16 bit recording at -15 to -10 db on the meters with the Mia doesn't allow me to fully exploit the full resolution at 16 bit. I'll wind up with more of a 10 or 12 bit recording because the amplitude of the signal is much lower. The only way to get around that is to record in 24 bit, but I just don't want to waste all that HD space, processing time etc that comes with the high res 24 bit recording, especially when the signal I'm recording barely warrants 16 bit recording. What to do?

CD

Graeme · Member Location: Spain Posts: 4663

The simplest solution would probably be to incorporate a small hardware mixer, ahead of the audio card.

Personally, I can never understand why users don't do this as a matter of course when setting up their systems. A mixer is such a useful and versatile tool, I wouldn't contemplate trying work without one.

SteveG · Location: United Kingdom Posts: 6695

codifus · Posts: 36

I record 2.5 hours of FM at 48/16 normally, and then mp3 it into 192K (but now I'm going to 128K) and that kind of work takes 4 hours to make a 192 mp3, and 5 or 6 hours making a 128K mp3. My hardware is a PIII 600 with 384 RAM and 2 HDs, a 40 gig for Apps/OS, and a 4 gig for the Cool temp drive. Now, throw in a 24 bit recording which then has to be converted to a 128K mp3, I imagine that my cpu will be churning away for God knows how long. And I'd probably need to upgrade the size of my temp drive, too, or else have the temp data overflow into the OS/apps drive, which I imagine would then slow the machine down incredibly.

Taking Graeme's suggestion, I think what I'll have to do is be creative and run a double tape loop. Run the record-out from my amplifier to my semi-retired tape deck. Then run the tape out to the Mia's record in. And finally, run the Mia out to the amplifier's tape play input. With this setup, I can use the tape deck's input level control to vary the strength of the audio signal going into the Mia. I'd definitely like to keep it such that I only record in 24 bit when the source warrants it.

CD

codifus · Posts: 36

You know what, on second thought, perhaps SteveG's idea is best. Just record in 24 bit. The convoluted tape loop idea I had will work, but it overly complicates an already complicated setup. I will have to make an extra effort to keep track of what signal is going where through my stereo. Now I have to upgrade my secondary 4 gig drive to higher capacity. It's funny how the upgrade of one piece of hardware inevitably forces you to upgrade another. Because I got the Mia, I've had to go from Win98 to XP to take advantage of Purewave. Now that I'm forced to record in 24 bit more often than I'm used to, I've got to put a bigger secondary drive in. Upgrades, upgrades. At least the computer industry will be happy.

CD

Yannis · Posts: 7

Coincidently I am running into the same issue. Have newly installed MIA card and noticed no recording control. I am transferring many cassette recordings of lectures (voice only) to CD. On occasion I run into a hot recording pegging up to -3 or -4db. My audio editor statistics shows no clipping but the sound can distort a little. So with my old sound card I experimented with keeping peaks levels to -6db or less (my tape deck has no line out control). Seems to have helped a little.

So, if that's true I would like to have control over recording volume. Not being an audio engineer, I was trying to figure the setup: I've got an integrated amp but if I connect tape deck to the amp's tape playback input I'm not sure where I would bring the MIA input to? Tape record on the amp? Don't think that will work.

One solution from comment above is I do have a home audio high end Conrad Johnson pre-amp; I guess I can use to go through.

Other than that, is there a cost effective mixer I can purchase to do the job and not hinder sound quality?

Comments? Thanks.

AndyH · Posts: 1425

If the Conrad Johnson comes anywhere near its reputation, you can't get any better for less money than not buying anything. It should certainly work well to control the input signal to your soundcard.

I don't know mixers, but I do know there have been twenty to thirty threads that discussed them in the last year, so a simple search should turn up something.

SteveG · Location: United Kingdom Posts: 6695

Graeme · Member Location: Spain Posts: 4663

SteveG beat me to it, so I'll just second his recommendation for the Sprit Folio Notepad. For their price, they are a real steal and sooo useful for all sorts of little things one has to do.

VoodooRadio · Location: USA Posts: 3971