[linux-audio-user] [OT] recording levels (mismatch)

[Erik Steffl]

   I am trying to record from a receiver (not sure if that's the right 
name, it's the amp/tuner, the thingy that all other components like CD 
player, tape deck, video etc. connect to) and it seems like the levels 
are too low (the soundcard is soundblaster live platinum, using alsa 
drivers that come with kernel 2.6.5).

   the receiver has two stereo audio outputs - one is marked as tape 
deck recording and the other one as VCR output but both seem to be about 
the same (and there doesn't seem to be a way to change them). I connect 
them to the RCA connectors on the front panel (live drive) but even if I 
set the mixer to 100% (on line in) the levels are too low. On vu-meter 
the levels only go to about 25-30% (max) while the 'normal' audio is 
somewhere between 50-75%.

   I believe both the receiver and soundcard work OK (I can record from 
receiver to tape deck, I can record to soundcard from other sources) so 
I guess there's mismatch between the signal from receiver and what 
soundcard expects. Is there anything I can do? do I need some pre-amp or 
something? Seems crazy but does it make any sense to try to record from 
speaker outputs? Is there any way to change what soundblaster expects on 
input?

   TIA

	erik