[linux-audio-user] gain and jack issues

[Marc-Olivier Barre]

On 12/5/06, we are <gateswideopen at gmail.com> wrote:
> hey all,
>
> i have been using ardour2 (CVS) for about a year now and it has proved
> extremely useful and powerful. however, i am very confused when it
> come to how to control gain.
>
> firstly, i am using a gentoo system with a RME multiface with PCMCIA.
> (love this combo)
>
> I have a lot of problems getting a nice amount of gain from various
> sources, namely keyboards/synths, guitars, and live mixing desks.
> When i record into ardour the waveform is barely visable but i can
> hear it. it is pretty useless unless i normalise it after recording.
> this has been what i have been doing everytime i record something and
> its becoming a very tedious and i feel it is bad practice.
> i know that the multiface can have the internal gain changed to -10 +4
> but i don't think that is the issue as the equipment i am using is
> nothing unusual.
>
> also, trying to get decent gain out of ardour is difficult to. the
> strange thing is that when i play files in audacious/XMMS though jack
> while ardour is running its REALLY loud. futhermore, when i import
> external sound files on ardour and preview the sound in the dialog
> box, once again its REALLY loud.
>
> could someone please explain to me what is happening.
>
> and yes, i have been using the HDSPmixer to alter gain however, i feel
> that the resolution of the faders is a little weak.

The input gain is _not_ affected by HDSPmixer. HDSP mixer handles the
internal routing of your hdsp card. changing the input gain is about
turning the gain button on your preamp/keyboard/foobar equipment.

__________________
Marc-Olivier Barre,
Markinoko.