I cannot get control of input levels with Audio Cleaning so very distorted recordings. Is it compatible with Windows 7?
Audio Cleaning Lab 16 and 17 are both compatible with Windows 7.
I know that I have an issue on one computer because it uses an integrated sound chip, not a sound card and I do not believe it is full duplex, so it does not have the ability of playing back, while recording. That is a limitation to the hardware.
On my older laptop, I had an issue where I didn't have a LINE-IN port on the computer. You need this LINE-IN in order to record without distorting the recording. If you use the Microphone port to record (anything other than from a microphone) then you will distort your recordings. The Microphone port adds a gain boost (necessary for microphones that do not use phantom power). There is nothing you can do about that, again that would be a limitation to the computer.
Here is how your standard connection should look.
If you are recording LP, 33, 45, 78, Cassette tapes, reel-to-reel, then it is best that you connect this component to your amplifier or stereo receiver (as you would normally use to listen). The amplifier or stereo receiver should have a stereo out or tape out (RCA/component) connection that you would run from ... to the LINE-IN port of the PC sound card (usually blue in color).
From here, you need to open your Windows Mixer for the sound device and select the LINE-IN as the recording device. This is crucial, as Windows by default selects the Microphone port as its defaulted device.
The advantage of recording as I described above is that you can control the volume from the amplifier or stereo receiver. What you put it, is what is recorded. So, I usually suggest normal listening levels. the LINE-IN port of the computer is a recording device that records at line level, which is 0 db, so not amplification is added, whereas I described earlier the Microphone port adds a +20 gain to the recorded material... that is not good.
I am not sure either of these help with the situation you are having, if you still have issues, please post a response and I will see what I can do to assist you. I have proudly been using Audio Cleaning Lab since it was introduced in 2001.
Thanks, extremely helpful as there seems to be no easy way to talk to Magix. I will try your suggestions.
I hope you do not mind if I get back to you should I still have problems
regards
Not at all, I work with multimedia all day, and I use quite a few of the Magix products professionally for my studio. I also like that Magix made this site for users to communicate to each other. I am not sure about contact with the company, but they have a lot of resources on the FAQ/Knowledge base as well.
Feel free to ask me too. I don't always have the information, but I also am on other forums doing the same thing. This helps pass a sometimes long and arduous day.
It is my understanding that some (not all) laptop computers with only a microphone jack can be configured as a Line-IN. You would need to consult the documentation that came with your particular computer.
It would have been helpful to give us the full details of your equipment.
I will check if I can do this with our Packard Bell laptop.
I tried the suggestions from John-Auvil on our Sony desktop and although there is only a mic input , by using a variable volume headphone output this worked very well. The reason for using the laptop is to convert LP's to digital with a plumbed in quality hi fi system (Linn turntable and ancient Quad pre and power amp. Cant move desktop to hi fi or vise versa - hence need for laptop solution. The outputs levels from the hi fi pre amp are fixed ( but differ by output). My way round the problem here is to use the variable level headphone output from a connected Nakamichi - setting this up to record. I therefore use the recording monitor facility.
I will look up info on the laptop to see if I can as suggested configure headphone in as a line input.
Still got a problem however! It looks like the input socket is suspect/damaged so will need trip to repairers unless someone has way of using other inputs on laptop?
I found a reasonable solution for you. Do a Google search for "stereo to USB", and you should find a few options.
(Posting links to other websites here will get your posting deleted very quickly.)
Great idea thanks.
You can use mic jack but it won't be stereo and you need to lower the mic boost in control panel, sound, manage audio devices, click on recording tab then double click the default microphone and select levels. Lower the slider on the boost to a very low setting. The better way is to purchase a device made just for this purpose. A small box that plugs into your usb port and temporarily makes the box the sound card. The box has the right and left audio input jacks like on your desktop computer. This method works perfectly and is the only answer for a laptop with no line in jack. This way you get stereo with the controls. Purchase price is around $40 and well worth it. They have pretty good instructions on how to set it up on your laptop.
Thanks for your help