Fast Track USB: low volume on 1/4" input - no signal LED

[Baby Huey]

Just bought this unit.

The signal LED does not come on, and I get a low input level when using the 1/4" input.

- I tried 3 cables, 3 guitars, both positions of the guitar/line switch.
- I plugged a mic into the mic input, lots of volume and the LED's work.
- No computer problems

Do I have a defective unit?

[Paul]

The Fast Track has set amount of gain for the instrument input. If your guitar requires more gain then the input signal may not be strong enough to light up the signal indicator. Exactly how low does the 1\4" input appear to be in the software?

[DrNick]

I have exactly the same issues. Have tried all manner of combinations of lead, switch settings etc. The signal level in garageband is around 5 - 10%. The loudest I've ever seen the input level indicators peak is around 25%. Should I send the unit back?

[colms2005]

I am having the same problems with a new MacBook Pro ..no LEDs on either guitar input with Garageband 9.Have tried all the available suggestionsbut my new fast Track Pro just wont deliver.Help please

[DrNick]

Also...

...then the input signal may not be strong enough to light up the signal indicator.

I assume you're referring to the signal indicators in garageband, or whatever DAW people are using, and not the signal indicators on the unit itself? I did think the signal/peak indicators on the unit itself were just for the mic input?

[Paul]

Sorry about the last post, The LED on the unit will not light up with the instrument input, and the software should show between 25% -50%on the meters.

[DrNick]

So what would you suggest I do? Given what I've described, would you say the pre-amp on the instrument input is faulty - i.e. do I have to return it?

[Paul]

It may not be defective. What kinds of guitars are you using and just how low is the input into the software?

[DrNick]

Am using a Squier Strat Affinitty, three sigle-coil passive pickups. As I said before, the signal in garageband is generally 5 - 10%, with the input level at max, and the guitar on 9. This is so even when playing with >1 pickup engaged (e.g. mid+neck pickups).

I can appreciate the audio interface has to try and accommodate as wide a range of input levels as possible - so it might or might not be a fault. Should I return it, or should I just get a DI box and plug the output of that into the Line-in through a TRS lead? Thanks.

[Paul]

You could use a DI box and then connect to the mic input so that you have access to a variable gain; or you could return the Fast Track and try an interface with variable instrument gain such as the MobilePre or the Fast Track Pro.