guitar recording levels with Tascam US-144
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Posted on Dec 30, 2008 07:18 pm
g_dave
Member Since: Dec 30, 2008
I just got a Tascam US-144 interface to use to record acoustic guitar. I have been able to get it to work with Audacity and Cubase LE. However, the input levels that are recorded are very low. I get similarly low levels when using an electric guitar. I'm plugging the guitars directly into the US-144. I'm able to get much higher levels when using a mic with the US-144.
I'm looking for some help on how to get higher input levels when directly recording guitar.
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Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 30, 2008 08:24 pm OK, I'll cover the basic's just to make sure.
When using a mic, if it is a condenser make sure the phantom power is on. Also with any mic, make sure the input gain is turned up to give sufficient signal to the recording software. Also make sure that the software input is set to get a good input level if your software has that.
If the 144 has a software control panel make sure the input level is up there as well.
Lastly for the guitar input you need to make sure and switch the mic/line switch to guitar. And it is only the right input that will do hi Z for guitars and basses.
g_daveMember
Since: Dec 30, 2008
Dec 30, 2008 09:56 pm I think I did as you describe. As best I can tell neither Audacity nor Cubase LE will let me adjust the input levels. When testing with a mic, the input levels are good. It's not a condensor mic and I'm not using phantom power. When using an acoustic or electric guitar, the levels are too low.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 30, 2008 10:02 pm Well, those are the only three things that can effect the level of the guitar going in.
1: The switch must be in the gtr or line position. The switch is just to the right of the R channel gain or input level knob.
2: Using the right or R line input only for guitar and bass.
3: The input level/gain knob must be turned up to get a good signal.
That is really all there is to that unit.
Only other things could be a bad guitar cable or connection somewhere either in the unit itself or the cable or guitar.
Not much help I know but that is all there is to that unit.
g_daveMember
Since: Dec 30, 2008
Jan 04, 2009 02:41 pm Thanks for your help. I was fooling around with it one more time before returning it to the store and I decided to see what happened when I set the switch to mic rather than guitar. It worked. For both acoustic and electric guitar. I'm wondering if the wiring of the switch is wrong. I may exchange it for another one just in case there is a problem with it.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 04, 2009 03:55 pm Um ya, that sounds like a problem for sure then. A switch being backwards is not acceptable in this day and age when thing can be ruined at times by something getting plugged in or powered up with incorrect things plugged in.
g_daveMember
Since: Dec 30, 2008
Jan 11, 2009 11:27 am The device was defective. I exchanged it for a new one. The new one works as it should.
