Distortion When Recording

Posted on Feb 03, 2003 09:43 am
Skip
Member Since: Feb 01, 2003

When I record into Cubase, sometimes it sounds distorted. I notice this alot when recording piano and I hit a note harder for dynamics. I have my recording level set at -1.00 (recommended in your tutorials)...and it doesn't sound hot at all. As a matter of fact, it's still kinda quiet. Any ideas on what I can do?

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dbmasters
Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Feb 03, 2003 09:46 am

are you running any compression? That could help a great deal.

Skip
Member
Since: Feb 01, 2003

Feb 03, 2003 09:48 am

No, I'm not...not any outboard compression anyway. Applying one after the fact isn't helping. I think the answers to alot of my issues boil down to some outboard gear. Thought I could do it all on my PC...shoot.

dbmasters
Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Feb 03, 2003 09:51 am

Compression is one of those effects that are best applied before the signal even gets to tape, get a good compressor/limiter/gate and it can help the recorded signal A LOT. later, if you decide you need more you can apply more during mixdown.

There are a few very nice compressors listed in the recommended gear post in the threads stuck at the top of the forums.

Skip
Member
Since: Feb 01, 2003

Feb 03, 2003 09:48 am

Thanks dB! I'll check them out. Right now I have a Behringer mixer, preamp, compressor, and an audio interface on my wishlist. The list keeps getting bigger and bigger...hmm...

PorpoiseMuffins
a.k.a. Porp & Mr. Muffins
Member
Since: Oct 09, 2002

Feb 03, 2003 02:51 pm

Yep... bigger and bigger and bigger... And when you think it's going to end, you find something else you want to get! Either that or you have to / want to replace something you already got. I don't know if compression is your problem here, but if it is, I would recommend the Behringer Composer Pro. Only $100. If you aren't using a pro sound card, then make sure you have the keyboard plugged into the line input, not the microphone input on your card. That could be causing the distortion. Also check everywhere that your sound could be clipping in your signal chain.