Distortion on analogue inputs

[Vinyladdict]

Trying to record sound from records using a turntable linked to phono pre-amplifier, outputs from pre-amp linked directly to analogue inputs on 24/96, using Audacity 1.2.6 as the recording software. The input level control of Audacity has no influence over the recording level and most records are recorded with distortion. I cannot seem to make any adjustments in the Monitor Mixer page that reduce the distortion but maintain a decent recording level so it is either very, very quiet without the distortion or at the correct level but with quite a lot of distortion. Any ideas?

[JA]

Are you clipping the inputs to the 24/96? There is no input level control for the 24/96 so all adjustments must be made at the source. All controls in the Monitor Mixer are for output. Is there any level controls on your preamp?

[Vinyladdict]

Unfortunately there are no controls, it is a phono pre-amplifier which simply boosts the signal from a turntable up to line-level. I have been told it may be possible to adjust the gain by changing internal components of the pre-amp but, in case this is not possible, are there any other M-Audio cards or devices that have an input level control?

[JA]

The Delta 44, 66, 1010, & 1010lt have variable input signal level controls where you can switch between +4 & -10, but not a full range of gain control. The Fast Track Pro and MobilePre USB have input gain control knobs, and so do the instrument inputs on the front of the FireWire 410 & 1814.

The only other options would be a different preamp with level controls, or a small mixer with level controls.

[picothinker]

HI all, first post. Glad to see this forum. For the Delta 44/66 there is an optional breakout box called the Omni I/O. It has a pad on two of the channels that can be used for level. Those same two channels have simple mic preamps, but you still need the phono-type preamp for it to work well at all. A quick search of completed Evilbay listings show them going from $50-$100.

Or, as mentioned, patch in a mixer between the preamp and inputs of the 2496. I make a lot of line-level recordings (FM radio) that also have no gain control before the Delta's input. The Omni I/O works very well.

[Vinyladdict]

Purchased a passive pre-amp with level control which works brilliantly. However, have just tried taking the L&R outputs from AP 24/96 to input on hi-fi system but no sound at all. Was trying to play music from iTunes and think I have tried changing every setting in the Delta Control Panel and the Windows sound and audio devices but cannot hear anything. Any ideas? What should the settings be?

[JA]

You want Windows setup to output on 1/2. In the Delta control panel, if you set outputs 1/2 to the monitor mixer (on the patchbay/router tab); then on the mixer tab you can use the faders there to adjust the level of what's playing back from the computer (wave out), and even directly monitor your input by turning up the levels for the h/w inputs.

Are you seeing level in the control panel? Double check your connections on the PCI card, the outputs are the RCA's in the middle, the ones closest to the breakout cable. Double check to make sure you have the correct input selected on the receiver.

[Vinyladdict]

PERFECT. Thankyou