M-Audio can't set level??

[Eric H]

I just installed an M-Audio 2496 card but I'm having a bit of a problem.

I am using it to record records to the PC but there doesn't seem to be any way to adjust the recording level, either in the Delta Control Panel or the recording software.

I've been using Wavepad to record with, there is a slider in Wavepad to adjust the rec level, it worked fine with the old Soundblaster but has no effect at all with the 2496.
Same thing with Sound Forge.

It's fine on records with low output but it clips badly on loud records, also since all records are different it would be nice if there was an easy way to adjust it.

Do I need to use a different pre amp to record with, something with adjustable outputs or what??

 

[whoaru99]

Have you selected this to be the default playback and recording device in the Sound and Audio Devices in Control Panel (assuming Windows...)?

 

[Eric H]

Have you selected this to be the default playback and recording device in the Sound and Audio Devices in Control Panel (assuming Windows...)?

Yes, and I found if I set the Output Source in the M-audio control panel to "1/2 in" I can go back to the mixer and control the level to Wavepad (W/pad set to use Delta AP Monitor) with the "1/2 input", however when I want to replay what I just recorded I have to go back into the M-Audio controls and switch the Output to "Mixer".

I noticed Wavepad has an option to use Windows Record Mixer but when I click on it it tells me I have to install it.

Recording something can't be this much of a pain can it?
I'm about ready to put the SB back in, it was a piece of cake.

 

[michaelj12]

My 2496 is on a Mac, so this may or may not apply to a PC, but on my setup, the output of the card is treated the same as a high-level audio out from a tape-out jack, that is, whatever audio output is always at full volume. Therefore, it must be controlled by an external preamp. I use a Marantz 2270 for mine at the moment, but I've recently picked up a 3300 preamp that will soon take its place.

Hook your 2496 PC output to a tape input on your preamp and you should be able to control the line level from there.

By the way, when digitizing LPs, use the 9600 kHz and 24 bit setting. You'll get better than CD results from your vinyl, assuming your records are in good shape.

 

[Eric H]

Thanks, I'll work on it again tomorrow, I'm done with this thing for tonight.

I installed an older version of the Controls, the one with the Patch router or whatever it's called, I was able to record and play back without changing things, it also had the ability to cut the level 10db which worked well, however after I did that I had no sound from Media Player and Windows said I had no devices installed, I uninstalled everything and started over, now I'm back to square one.
Why they couldn't design this to integrate with the recording software is beyond me, also there's no more volume control icon in the tray so even a simple adjustment is a hassle.

I'm beginning to loathe this thing. :sigh: