Record volume control has insufficient range

I'm trying to record my vinyl LPs onto my PC. All of the software I've tried relies on the Windows record volume control to adjust the input levels of the audio signal. However, on my system, as soon as I move the slide up the smallest possible amount, the levels are already already slightly too high. Essentially, I can either have the recording levels at "mute" or at this one slightly-too-high setting. If I move the slider higher, then the levels as displayed in the meters in my software immediately max out to the red, which would indicate distortion.

Anyone know of a way I can re-calibrate the recording volume control so that I can use more of the range, and get better control of the recording levels?

 

Hi queenstguy, Welcome to WindowsBBS

How are you connecting the turntable to your system? Is it a USB turntable or are you using a Line in/out connection?

 

Using a "regular" turntable ...

Hi wildfire - I'm using a standard turntable that's hooked up to my stereo system. I have my PC connected to the "record out" jacks on my receiver; the signal is going into the "line in" jack of my PC.

 

i've tried to convert cassette tapes to wav files and convert them to mp3..using a software also....but the audio quality is quite good... i suppose it will depend on your sound card that you're using and the software you're using to record..

 

What software have you tried?

Have you tried GoldWave Digital Audio Editor?

I don't recall the specifics of how recording level is controlled. Once the recording is made, you can adjust levels anyway.

You can try it for free to see if it does what you want it to. The trial used to be fully functional. I expect it still is fully functional.

 

Thanks,

Keeping Mailman's advice in hand, can you tell me the model of the Turntable/Music system. (Record out sounds OK but in the UK we'd expect to see Aux out or Line out). Some systems output via the amp which is a bad thing for line in and given your description may indicate what is happening.

EDIT:

If you think this is the case you could try using Mic In. The quality won't be as good but if you don't have a genuine Line out it'll be better than you are getting right now.

 

Model of turntable/amp

Hi Wildfire - it's a Dual 501 turntable, and a Sony home theater receiver. I'll double check the output possibilities ... their may be a line or aux out ... but generally, in my experience, the only 'output' in stereo equipment is intended for the tape recorder ... most other connections are inputs for various devices, with the only other outputs being the speaker connections themselves. Of course, I haven't purchased stereo equipment for a while ... maybe the newer ones have additional outputs?

I also did find one piece of software what allows you to connect the turntable leads directly to the line in input on the PC ... it offers software-based pre-amplification for the phone inputs.

And Mailman - I'll try that software you suggested ... between all of the various packages with 15-day trials, maybe I can digitize my entire vinyl library without havbing to pay anything!

 

That's the route to go and no need for pre-amp software. Connect phono out from turntable to line in on soundcard (a phono to jack adapter may be required). You probably won't be able to listen through your Sony centre but your computer will be able to supply realtime audio output and your recording shouldn't be distorted during the recording. By the way the same goes with your cassette deck, connect the phono leads to the computer in the same way.

Let us know how you get on.