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

[Erik Steffl]

Andres Cabrera wrote:
> Hi Erik,
> Usually audio equipment is setup to output/receive at two possible 
> levels -10dBu or +4dBV, Semi-pro equipment and home equipment usually 
> work at -10, which comes up as very low when the receiver is setup for 
> +4. But I would guess the soundblaster card is setup to work at -10 as 
> well (I'd be surprised if it isn't).
> Maybe there's some software fader somewhere else in the chain?

   I don't think so, at least I am not aware of anything. The volume is 
too low even when I just use the alsamixer to listen to it. When I 
connect other devices (ipod, line6 guitar pod, yamaha dd-55 percussion 
pad) the volume is OK.

   Actually maybe I could use headphone output, I didn't think of that 
(it should be pretty much the same as iPod or guitar pod, I use the same 
headphones with all of these).

> Maybe you need to turn the volume of the amp/tuner all the way up?

   nothing I do on amp changes the output in any way (volume, 
treble/bass, various effects, dolby settings etc.).

	erik

> You shouldn't need a preamp, because the amp/tuner thingy should do that 
> job.
> Connecting to the speaker output wouldn't be good since speakers expect 
> a very high signal, so I would think it wouldn't work...
> 
> Andres
> 
> Erik Steffl wrote:
> 
>>   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
>>
>>
> 
>