Can't change recording level

Question

Level 1

8 points

Can't change recording level

I am trying to record a live piano into Garageband '09 using two Samson CO1U mics. I have it set up so that it will simultaneously record the sound with both mics. However, I can't seem to get the volume on the recording to go any higher. Currently the "recording level" slider is grayed out and all the way to the left so I can't change it at all. If I switch the audio input back to a single mic it lets me change it, but once I select my audio input of the two mics together I can't seem to change it. Does anyone know how to fix this?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Mar 25, 2010 8:26 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 25, 2010 8:52 AM in response to paulhullqce

You should be able to change the input level in the Audio/Midi Utility. Also, the Samson mics come with a preamp software that you can use to boost the level. Do you have that?

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Answer 2

vtTotal

Level 1

55 points

Mar 25, 2010 9:21 AM in response to paulhullqce

Hi Paul,

One thing you may also try is to normalize the audio using other software that can "bump up" the volume if nothing else works.

I sometimes use Audacity, here is their site: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Let me know if that helps,

Vicente.

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Answer 3

paulhullqce Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 25, 2010 11:04 AM in response to paulhullqce

Well I looked in the Audio MIDI utility but I'm not sure where to change the input volume on the device... Also, I'm not sure if I have preamp software with the Samson mics I'll check that out though, how exactly does that work?

I'm also checking out Audacity too, would I use that instead of Garageband if I went with that option?

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Answer 4

Mar 25, 2010 11:27 AM in response to paulhullqce

I'm not sure if I have preamp software with the Samson mics I'll check that out though, how exactly does that work?

I just see at Samson's website that they have discontinued the SoftPre software. Too bad.
But don't you see a window with a slider when you pick a mic in the device list of the Audio/Midi Utility?

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Answer 5

paulhullqce Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 25, 2010 12:38 PM in response to Christoph Drösser

When I select individual mics in the device list I see a volume slider, but when I select "Aggregate Device" (which was the default name of the device I created) it just shows all the audio devices with checkboxes, with the Samson mics checked. Would selecting the samson mics individually from the device list and adjusting them there affect anything?

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Answer 6

Mar 25, 2010 2:23 PM in response to paulhullqce

Yes, I would think so. Try it!

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Answer 7

paulhullqce Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 25, 2010 5:38 PM in response to Christoph Drösser

Unfortunately it looks like I've got the same problem...

When I select each Samson mic individually from under the device I have them put under, I see the Master volume slider but it is just like the recording level slider: grayed out and all the way to the left.... I can't seem to get around this.

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Answer 8

Apr 2, 2010 8:08 AM in response to paulhullqce

I am fighting the same thing.... and more ticked off by the minute

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Answer 9

May 4, 2010 9:43 PM in response to LakeCharles

I have the same set up. When I went to record this evening I couldn't pull up the Recording Volume at all. I have a bad feeling it may be internal. I had to have the motherboard repaired several months ago because the sound output started coming from the computer speakers only. I'll let you know what happens.

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Answer 10

krd2010

Level 1

8 points

May 5, 2010 5:38 AM in response to Mick Parrott

I am having the same problem. The Recording Level and Automatic Level control are greyed out and I can't change them. I can record using the computer built in microphone but I can't do anything with an external microphone. The computer has recognised the audio interface (it comes up in preferences) but that is as far as it seems to go. Any ideas?

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Answer 11

Vignus

Level 1

1 points

May 17, 2010 7:37 PM in response to krd2010

Same problem here, when recording a guitar through an external usb soundboard (Yamaha Audiogram 6). Recording level is greyed out. Hope someone can help with this.

Gianni

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Answer 12

poflynn

Level 4

1,303 points

May 18, 2010 2:33 PM in response to Vignus

http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/FAQPages/VolumeSliderDisabled.html

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Answer 13

Jun 5, 2010 10:52 AM in response to poflynn

I had the same problem and came here for advice. Didn't find what I need but I did solve my grayed-out problem.

On the little instrument side of the track thingy is an upside down triangle. I clicked on that and then clicked on the little blue square. Now I can change the volume!

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