adjust the gains so that both channels peak at 0dB and adjust the master so that it peaks at 0db too. never go above 0dB, that's when it starts clipping. if you're much under 0dB the signal isn't very loud. to get the loudest non distorted signal everything should be exactly at 0db. this still might be a bit quiet on your computer as there's different sorts of line level signals. i think what most "pro gear" use is about 10dB under the normal home audio gear line level signal. if your sound card doesn't have any settings to change the recording signal level you can later on amplify it using your recording program (for example audacity).

___________________

Get Dropbox, with 250 MB extra space!

quote:

Originally posted by skip adjust the gains so that both channels peak at 0dB and adjust the master so that it peaks at 0db too. never go above 0dB, that's when it starts clipping. if you're much under 0dB the signal isn't very loud. to get the loudest non distorted signal everything should be exactly at 0db. this still might be a bit quiet on your computer as there's different sorts of line level signals. i think what most "pro gear" use is about 10dB under the normal home audio gear line level signal. if your sound card doesn't have any settings to change the recording signal level you can later on amplify it using your recording program (for example audacity).

Thanks for the tip, but unfortunately the db level inditor LEDs on my mixer are crap. There is only about 7 LED's from MIN to MAX and they seem very unresponsive.

Or do you mean the db meter on my PC's recording software?

quote:

Originally posted by agentdansmith Thanks for the tip, but unfortunately the db level inditor LEDs on my mixer are crap. There is only about 7 LED's from MIN to MAX and they seem very unresponsive. Or do you mean the db meter on my PC's recording software?

no, i mean the ones on your mixer. how are yours unresponsive? and 7 leds should be enough to get the gains and the master adjusted to 0dB.

___________________

Get Dropbox, with 250 MB extra space!

Master Out from mixer > RCA Plugs directly into Creative X-Fi Bay Drive > Set Creative driver to 'Audio Creation' Mode and set the Gain levels to 0dB on the Mixer and in drivers > hit record.

I use SoundForge. Can't remember the exact wiring configuration (I'm at work) will post it later. I have the booth control set to about 30% on the dial & then whilst playing a track (to get a visual on the levels coming through SoundForge) I adjust both the line in volume control on the PC & also the booth volume control on the mixer so that the levels are at the maximum without clipping.

Like the others said, use the mixers level meter LED's to keep the volume peaking at around 0db. You now get plenty of play in with the gains as you've not got em cracked up to the max to start off with