|
|
Post by soundvark on Oct 11, 2014 14:02:38 GMT -5
Hi,
I am trying to record from phono, I am using proc out to an Asus U7 USB soundcard.
The problem I have is that the output is too hot and its actually clipping. When I lower the recording volume, its still clipping.
Initially I thought maybe the source was clipped, but when I use the main output at -6 the recording shows no sign of clipping and the recording gains 3dB dynamic range.
I am wondering if there's anything I can do to prevent this.
My turntable is a Technics SL1210 mk2 with an Audio Technica 150MLX cardridge. No modifications, default wires, etc. This cartridge outputs 4mV and the switch is set to MM. 4mV is nothing special either, some cartridges output 6mV, this should not be the cause of this.
Appreciate any ideas.
Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by rob80b on Oct 12, 2014 10:57:20 GMT -5
It is possible the output of the XSP-1 is too high for the sound card and you could try a pair of in line attenuators, I’ve used the ones from Harrison Labs and are available as -3, -6 or -12db to reduce the output www.hlabs.com/products/attenuators/ |
|
|
|
Post by soundvark on Oct 12, 2014 11:10:23 GMT -5
Thanks! Appreciate the reply.
I ordered a pair as they are relatively cheap.
I'll post my findings once they arrive.
|
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Oct 12, 2014 11:35:50 GMT -5
Turn down the XSP-1 volume but you mentioned that didn't work.
Or get a Behringer UCA 202. It's $30 and is designed to accept line level stereo 2v redbook RCA inputs.
BTW your USB soundcard should have a LINE INPUT. If it is a microphone input it will clip and also it's possible that is a mono only input which cuts out half of your stereo music signal.
|
|
|
|
Post by soundvark on Oct 12, 2014 12:49:51 GMT -5
Turn down the XSP-1 volume but you mentioned that didn't work. Or get a Behringer UCA 202. It's $30 and is designed to accept line level stereo 2v redbook RCA inputs. BTW your USB soundcard should have a LINE INPUT. If it is a microphone input it will clip and also it's possible that is a mono only input which cuts out half of your stereo music signal. The volume on the XSP-1 only works on the main RCA/XLR outputs. I did test that and at -6 dB it doesn't clip anymore. The processor loop output is fixed. The input on the USB card is both line and mic, software switchable. Both are stereo. The only difference is that the mic input amplification is higher. Clipping happens on both. |
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Oct 12, 2014 13:08:09 GMT -5
Turn down the XSP-1 volume but you mentioned that didn't work. Or get a Behringer UCA 202. It's $30 and is designed to accept line level stereo 2v redbook RCA inputs. BTW your USB soundcard should have a LINE INPUT. If it is a microphone input it will clip and also it's possible that is a mono only input which cuts out half of your stereo music signal. The volume on the XSP-1 only works on the main RCA/XLR outputs. I did test that and at -6 dB it doesn't clip anymore. The processor loop output is fixed. The input on the USB card is both line and mic, software switchable. Both are stereo. The only difference is that the mic input amplification is higher. Clipping happens on both. Gotcha. Well the good news is that the line attenuators should do the trick then. You may lose some slight sound quality in the treble. Or you may not. It's just my personal experience may not be yours. A resistor is not supposed to lose anything but when I used attenuators a slight attenuation of treble was noted. Some USB soundcards aren't designed for a 2V line level input and will clip. For instance my asus xonar essence ST though a high quality card cannot take a 2V line in. It does exactly half of that at 1 V. The behringer UCA 202 ($30) does 2V line in. If the attenuators does not work out for you, (and they should) this may do what you need. amzn.com/B000KW2YEI |
|
|
|
Post by rob80b on Oct 12, 2014 13:41:54 GMT -5
Thanks! Appreciate the reply. I ordered a pair as they are relatively cheap. I'll post my findings once they arrive. They work great, just remember they are directional, female to male. (if I remember correctly?) |
|
|
|
Post by soundvark on Oct 12, 2014 13:50:36 GMT -5
Thanks for mentioning that, I hadn't noticed it. I'll need some converters then.
|
|
|
|
Post by soundvark on Oct 12, 2014 13:57:28 GMT -5
It's only a resistor inside right? Can I unscrew them and turn it around so I won't need all the extra converters?
|
|
|
|
Post by rob80b on Oct 12, 2014 14:07:00 GMT -5
It's only a resistor inside right? Can I unscrew them and turn it around so I won't need all the extra converters? Not quite, there are two resistors, and as can be seen from the schematic….the reason they are directional.  |
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Oct 12, 2014 14:54:41 GMT -5
There;s no coversion done. It passes through the resistor. Usually there's a female and male end of an RCA and it is directional (female to male). It's nearly foolproof  |
|
|
|
Post by bub on Oct 12, 2014 15:25:32 GMT -5
^^ I'm using a pair of 12db going from pre-1 to amp. Plugged into amp .. Works fine. No discoloration.
|
|
|
|
Post by buddhabob on Oct 15, 2014 7:20:51 GMT -5
|
|
bootman
Emo VIPs 
Typing useless posts on internet forums....
Posts: 9,358
|
Post by bootman on Oct 15, 2014 7:55:14 GMT -5
So it isn't the XSP sending a clipped signal (like the title suggests) but the sound card is clipping the signal on it's input.
|
|
