I have horribly low volume from my audio instruments via MOTU 828

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I have horribly low volume from my audio instruments via MOTU 828

I am really frustrated. The MOTU 828 is a soundcard that has inputs for microphone ( I use 1/4" plug but also has XLR). Obvioiusly it accomodates other electrical instruments that I crank through an amp first (volume on 10) and connect via the amp's headset jack.

NO matter what I plug in the volume is horribly low in Garage band track. THe motu 828 has "input gain" for each input t and that is cranked to 10. Then in GB I have the "track mixer volume" cranked up (and the volume in "Track Info" is grayed out).

When I shout into the microphone Track equalizer barely moves and I can barely hear myself. Then I make a recording which is ever so slightly audible on playback but the "sound waves" don't even register in the region - it looks like a flatline.

One thing that is interesting is that when I connect my keyboard to the Motu 828 +via the headphone (audio) jack+ it works great and I can easily turn up the volume in the track "mixer" or on the keyboard and get it to equalize and peak in the red.

Why am I unable to record my microphone or my guitar amp (through the 1/4" headphone jack) at a decent level?

Mac G4, Mac OS X (10.4.10), Garage band and motu 828 firewire (pretty old motu)

Posted on Nov 1, 2007 12:01 AM

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Answer 1

luoto

Level 1

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Nov 25, 2007 9:58 AM in response to mhurst08

Did you ever get this resolved ? I am having this issue with 2 different computers and both fw and usb versions of this product, both with 10.4 and 10.5. MOTU are not being overly helpful.

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Answer 2

Nov 25, 2007 12:40 PM in response to mhurst08

Mhurst08,

Are you talking about the Headset jack on your Amp or on the computer?

In my case: I use a XLR Male/Female Cable through my Audio Interface.

I go through (*Mic Instrument 1 Plug*) optional in my case... if i want to activate phantom on interface;
make sure *Input Volume* for that channel is up, along with *Inputs/Playback Mixer Knob* and Headphone volume, if using... not sure if your interface contains these volume knobs.

In term of GB in TRACK click New TRACK, then click *REAL INSTRUMENT* then CREATE.

In *GB Preferences* go to ( Audio/Midi) in both *Audio Output* and *Audio Input* choose( The name of your interface if listed) in your case... Motu 828. if not, again in both try

Audio output(Built-in out) and Audio input(System Settings) which plays back through computer speakers... the first config., plays through interface.

Under Track Mixer you must click the circular dot button in front of the symbols: Mute, solo, lock,etc., buttons.

Go to (*Track Info Pane*) section and in *Input Source* choose( Mono 1) if you're also using your guitar at the same time you have to go back to *New Track* and take the same steps for Real instrum., and then choose Mono 2, and so on.

Last steps: Monitor can be *on or off* try both; underneath Monitor, is your *Recording Level* may sure it's turned up... not to high with Monitor ON... will get feedback.

You can also check the *Master Slider Volume* next to *LCD( measure, time counter, etc).* Oh, by the way your 1/4" cable should work.

See if this solve the mystery!

Message was edited by: musichead

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