Simple person needs simple help.
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Posted on Aug 21, 2002 11:47 am
bigal
Member Since: Aug 07, 2002
I downloaded the test version of N-track. Plugged my guitar into my practice amp and then plugged my guitar into the SB Live soundcard via the line out. I also needed to use an adapter to change the 1/4" line to an 1/8" line. I bought a mono to mono adapter, a stereo to mono adapter, and a stereo to stereo adater. None worked, but I'm pretty sure this is not the issue, and I probably wasted a couple of beans on these adapters (oh well).
Why can't I get any sound/recording volume in N-track. I'm sure there is a simple answer.
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Aug 21, 2002 12:11 pm ummmmm, ya, you are not supposed to plug the guitar directly in to the sound card, you have to preamp it first by running the guitar through a mixer, an amp head (but DON'T plug the speaker outs into the sound card, only the line outs).
bigalMember
Since: Aug 07, 2002
Aug 21, 2002 12:17 pm I didn't use the speaker out, I used the line out.
????
Aug 21, 2002 12:42 pm OK, that's good, so, if I understand you then, you have your guitar plugged into your amp, the line out on your amp is going into the line in on your SB Live...correct?
Have you made sure the SB doesn't currently have the line in muted? Have you checked the volume settings? Are you getting sound out but just not getting it recorded?
bigalMember
Since: Aug 07, 2002
Aug 21, 2002 12:48 pm You are correct.
I have also checked the volume settings and it's not muted and it's cranked up as much as I can. I am not getting any sound at all through the speakers or headphones. I have a feeling that maybe my line out on the amp is not working.
If you can't think of anything else, I'll be buying a mixer in a couple of weeks and I'll run a mic through the mixer into the soundcard and see if I get some sound. Then I'll try the guitar amp through the mixer. I guess I'll find out what the problem is then.
Thanks anyways.
Aug 21, 2002 12:58 pm Ya, I guess my first guess is that you line out is not working...
Aug 21, 2002 12:41 pm Find the Line input on your SB Live. It will be an 1/8 stereo jack. Depending on how you set Ntrack it will either record this stereo input as a summed Mono track, single stereo track, or stereo/two mono tracks. I suggest you set it as "stereo/two mono tracks. These settings can be found on the recording VU meter. It's the button at the bottom far right of the meter. The button in the middle will set what track you are recording on. set it to "Record New". The button far left will let you monitor the input signal on the meter. Now, back to the cables. If your guitar line out is mono, you will need to split the stereo input at the soundcard, then plug in to one side. There are many ways to do this, but the way I used to do it is to buy a cable that goes from 1/8 stereo to two mono RCA plugs. Then buy two seperate RCA to 1/4 adapters. This will give you the flexibility to record several different types of equipment (drum machines, keyboards, vocals or drum mics from a Mixer, turn table, Bass DI, Ect...). Plug the 1/8 stereo end of the cable into your soundcard's line in, put one 1/4 to RCA adapter on one of the mono RCA ends of the Cable, then plug the 1/4 adapter into your line out on the Guitar Amp. Make sure the other mono end doesn't touch anything if you are not using it. You can put a piece of tape on it. If your amp, drum machine, or whatever has stereo line outs, then plug in both adapters. The best way is to plug both mono ends into a small mixer then plug whatever you are recording into the mixer. Hope that helps a little.
Aug 21, 2002 01:08 pm There are also setings for input and output devices in the preferences section of NTrack. Go to "File" then "Preferences". I can't remeber exactly what the Button says on it (Devices??) but it is the one on the left beside the "Buffering" Button. Click on it and it will let you seperatly choose which input and output devices you want to use in NTrack.
Aug 21, 2002 01:15 pm Hey tripnek, you seem to be the resident N-Track guru 'round here...if you have time, could you be so kind as to write up a basic tutorial on the app to put on this website. I have used it, and well, I am spoiled by the big-guy apps, but N-Track is a great place for people that either can't spend, or don't want to spend the hundreds of dollars the big apps cost.
I think having a simple tutorial on this website would be a great place for newbies to start in the wonderful world of PC recording.
Just a thought, if you don't have time, or just plain don't want to, that's fine. Nothing super detailed (unless you want to) just a good solid overview of the app.
bigalMember
Since: Aug 07, 2002
Aug 21, 2002 01:33 pm Holy crap!! Talk about adapter confusion from hell. However, I think I've figured it out. Thanks for explanation.
Do all soundcards have just stereo jacks? And if so, this must be a common problem encountered by guitarist who are not micing in their sound.
Will I encounter the same problem when I pick up the behringer 802? I know that it has mono and stereo channels, but when I use the mono channel and go to the soundcard will I have to do the adapter rejiggin' like I'll have to do with my practice amp (without a mixer).
Aug 21, 2002 01:41 pm I have the 802 and it works great for me. If you spend a little more on a Sound Card and get a little higher-end one they have multiple mono ins, and 1/4 inch ins too! With every adapter you put in the chain, you are loosing a little bit of sound quality, so it is best to keep the adapters to a minimum (but we all know that, right) Depending on your budget and plans, sometimes they are necessary, but the fewer the better.
Also, you are best off avoiding the 1/8 plugs whenever you can, those cable are generally very thin and not very well shielded, but again, if it is all you have, it's better than not making music at all.
How I record guitar myself is with the Line 6 POD DI Box/Amp Sim, plug my guitar into that, that into the mixer and the mixer into the sound card and I get great sound...it hasn't given me any problems at all that I didn't cause myself.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Aug 21, 2002 08:50 pm Yes, all the SB type card's have 1/8th" stereo input's.
