HELLLLLP MEEE PLEEEEZ!!!

George Karnes · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007, 23:43 (GMT) Post subject:

I won't really defend Dell. It is just that my experience with locally built PCs is not great. The main problem is warranty issues. Every component is covered under a different warranty for a different period of time. this includes building your own which I have done also.

If you get a Dell, Compaq or any other major vendor, you get a warranty that covers the whole box. Usually with on site repair.

My two cents worth as an IT guy. Maybe Colin has some thoughts on it.

Lisa Zachary-Kent · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 00:11 (GMT) Post subject: What's wrong here?

I debated whether I should post a new thread, or just ask my question here in this one, as my problem is quite similar to Jane's.

Ok...here's the situation.

I too have had a computer built for me for my studio by a computer geek. (Not just any ol geek...this is my son in law) He knew what I would be needing it for, and built it to suit my purpose. I also bought a Yamaha MG10/2 mixing console, a Audio-technica at2020 condenser mic...and I thought I was set.

We hooked it all up today, and tested it out.....its not working. Sad

I'm using Cool Edit Pro 2.0, and though the levels are showing to be good on the mixing console, they are not registering where they need to on Cool Edit. They are extremely low. Also installed on this computer is Sound Blaster X-Fi.

Now...I had a friend of mine from the TV station I used to work at come and look at it....we went into the "sounds & audio devices" program in control panel...that didn't work. I tried adusting levels on the SB X-Fi, and that didn't work either. He said that there must be some way to amplify it in Cool Edit. Oh sure...there IS...but it sounds like pure hell when you do.

He said that I have everything I need, and it should be working fine....that I don't NEED an interface. After reading this thread...I'm thinking...OH YES I DO! Is that the problem here? If so...how much will an interface cost me, and where can I get one?

Colin Campbell · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 00:51 (GMT) Post subject:

OH, the complexities. First a good PC from a major vendor is fine. HP has been showing signs of good value and support lately. Get a desktop PC for god's sake. I can't imagine trying to use a laptop. It so limits your choices.

Liaa... you didn't mention what sound card or audio interface you are using. One of the problems you have with "pro" gear feeding "consumer" gear are level mismatches. We need to keep it all pro... or +4 db (as mentioned in other threads.)

The audio or sound "interface" is paramount. What are you triying to use?

Lisa Zachary-Kent · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 01:38 (GMT) Post subject:

Colin...bear with me here. I'm so technically illiterate its painful. This may very well be like trying to teach fashion/style tips to Helen Keller.

I'm not really even sure what an interface IS. I see up there where Jane was told that if she has SB X-Fi, she won't need an interface...that she can plug right in to the computer. Well, I have that installed on my computer, but I'm being told that I can't just plug right into the computer because I would need "phantom power" to my mic...whatever that means. The same guy telling me this, says that using this mixing console (which is plugged into my computer, and my mic is plugged into the mixing console) is the way to go. BUT....I have multiple sound cards. Therefore, the reason the mic levels in cool edit are not pegging out where they should, could be because I have to tell the Cool Edit program which sound card to use. So...in Cool Edit, I went to Options, clicked on "Device Order", and I'm showing under "playback" and "recording devices" that I have "Wave Mapper [EV]" as my 1st device, and "SB X-Fi Audio [9C00]" as my 2nd. I changed the device order, but that still isn't helping anything. But this guy is just certain that the problem lies within the cool edit software, and not any of the equipment.

All I know is this thing isn't working, and I need it too. I'm just completely confused and frustrated.

Colin Campbell · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 02:04 (GMT) Post subject:

Guys... I don't know if I have the strength to straighten this one out. OK, I'll try to give some hints but I need some other geeks to step in.

1. Phantom Power... If you have a CONDENSER mic (you need to LEARN if you do or not) then you need phantom power which is 48 volts traveling up the mic cable to the mic. This provided by whatever you plug your mic into. If you don't have a condeser (or instead a "dynmaic' mic) you won't need this...

Guys... steop up and continue the tutorial...

Lisa Zachary-Kent · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 02:06 (GMT) Post subject:

Yes...it is a condenser mic.

By the way....here is a pic of my mixing console. And the description on the BSW website:

Yamaha's MG mixers are built for great sound, total control, and superior reliability. The MG10-2 is a 10 input/2 bus mixer with 2 mono mic/line inputs and 4 stereo line inputs. Both mic inputs offer high-performance preamps and phantom power. In addition, mono channels feature insert I/O points for external signal processing. Each input channel has a 3-band EQ and all mic input channels feature switchable high-pass filters to cut unwanted LF noise. A main stereo bus and second group bus pair allow convenient channel grouping. Two aux sends on each channel and a stereo aux return provide plenty of flexibility for external signal processing and monitoring. Tape I/O is via stereo RCA connections, and main output is via L/R 1/4" TRS jacks. The MG10-2 also features a 1/4" TRS headphone output, illuminated switches and an included rackmount kit for easy, flexible use.

So...according to this, HERE is my phantom power needed for my condenser mic.

Brad Venable · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 03:10 (GMT) Post subject:

Lisa, plug your mic into one of the mic channels, and turn on the mixer.

Plug in a 1/4" balanced TRS cable to the ST left channel output. Plug the other end into a Line input on the SB X-Fi card.

Look on the right side of the mixer. Press the Phantom +48 button.

That will turn on the phantom power to the mic.

Now...turn the knob (it's actually called the 'potentiometer' or Pot for short) at the bottom of the mic channel where you plugged in the cable and turn it to the 3 o'clock position, which will 'zero out' the channel.

Back on the right side, turn the ST pot to the 3 o'clock position. That will 'zero out' both levels and give it a good strong signal going into the computer.

In CEP, make sure (as you already have, but do it again) that the SB X-Fi is number one on the device order list in Playback and Recording devices. Also make sure that you have the SB X-Fi as listed [EV], which means that device is actually the one you'll use in the editing window. This might be the number one reason you're not getting anything.

Test it and see if it works.

If it does, adjust the pot on the channel where the mic is plugged in to a desirable level, then go to town. Smile

If it doesn't work, then we need to check the sound card volume levels by double-clicking on the speaker icon in your system tray (by the clock), and then making sure that the device is the SB X-Fi. Make sure it is, and then check the playback and recording levels are about 50%. Then once they're adjusted to a nominal level, start recording. Smile

If none of this works, then there is a problem that's not easily fixed.

Robert Jadah · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 03:20 (GMT) Post subject: Maudlin Moment

It's time for

AN OPRAH MOMENT....

So I'm zipping through today's posts, see, and getting to the tech stuff last (since I find that talk to be a wonderful sedative), and as I'm reading Colin and Brad's earnest efforts to help out, it really strikes me again that this is all quite extraordinary.
I mean, there's Scott Pollak and others over at Demo of the Day dialling up everybody's audition levels...and here's a couple of patient attempts at helping a newbie's struggles...and there's Amy and Phyllis K cheering the arrival of new female talents....

You DO realize that everybody's helping the very people who want to take jobs from them?
I'm humbled and - frankly - touched by that. This is a wonderful place.
(I'd jump wildly on a couch, but the dog has dibs on it.)
Pride On!

[/img]

Lisa Zachary-Kent · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 03:30 (GMT) Post subject:

Brad....

Thanks so much. But, I guess I'm thoroughly SCREWED. I did everything you told me to do, and no matter what, the levels on CEP only register to -36. I've been told it should be no less than -18.

Could my mic be faulty?

Colin Campbell · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 03:35 (GMT) Post subject:

Robert... they can't take jobs away from me when I am not getting any! Besides, I can't help it.

Colin Campbell · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 03:37 (GMT) Post subject:

OK, Lisa, it comes out of the Yamaha and goes to WHAT?

Lisa Zachary-Kent · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 03:37 (GMT) Post subject:

Robert....you just jump all over that couch if you dern well want to!

Colin Campbell · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 03:42 (GMT) Post subject:

Robert... the sad part is that due to family commitments (I actually played ball with my son up and down a long hallway tonight,) and partial lazyness, I didn't even breach the never-ending "auditions that never get a response" world tonight. I was too busy playing with my preamp. (See "GEEK PLACE.") I guess I am not truly commited. Maybe I'll promise myself to get up at 4AM again, make some coffee and go at it again.

Todd Ellis · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 04:09 (GMT) Post subject:

Lisa - have you checked the "device properties" in Cool Edit? I know in Adobe Audition (which is essentially the same thing) you have to make sure your sound device is selected, selected for "Edit View" and in the proper order in "Device Order". This may not be your particular problem - but is a pretty common problem nontheless. I hope I've confused you further. If nothing else, the Yahama mixer looks pretty flat. It may skip well across a lake???

Brad Venable · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 04:18 (GMT) Post subject:

Lisa, if you want my honest opinion, the SB X-Fi is a piece of crap for what you want to do.

I beg of you...invest about $150-200 in a nicer interface. Trust me when I say that it *will* help your situation, and then all the stuff I discussed above will work.

My grandpa once told me that you can put ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry on a turd, and that doesn't make it a brownie sundae. That said, the Creative Labs consumer level cards are great for gaming. Not for recording, tho. To Creative's credit, they did buy E-MU early last year, which is great...if you buy E-MU. But the quality of Analog-to-Digital converters and other stuff that Creative's cards have right now...they just aren't up to snuff.