Recording Wavs to convert to MP3 - Clipping Prob.

[thepeoplespal]

I've a stack of Tapes(300+) which I want to listen to again. I've downloaded a little freeware program called Audacity to create the ".wav" files.

Using a phono to jackplug cable I've been able to plug my tape player into my line-in and start recording.

The problem however is that I seem to be getting some distortion and clipping when playing back some of the WAV files (not all). Have you any tips on how I can get rid of the clipping and distortion?

I seem to have a similar problem when MS Media Player 9 is converting my CDs to WMA format.

Thanks in advance

[tja]

Couple of suggestions...

1. Try using the mic socket instead of the line-in.

2. Adjust the volume level for the socket you are using (if there is a +10dB or similar "advanced" option, turn it off).

[meeja]

tja said:

Couple of suggestions... 1. Try using the mic socket instead of the line-in. 2. Adjust the volume level for the socket you are using (if there is a +10dB or similar "advanced" option, turn it off).

Using the Mic socket will make the problem far worse.

Sounds like you are pumping too much level into your line-in socket.

As already suggested, try adjusting the input level for the channel you are playing into. (In windows, double-click on the speaker icon, go to recording settings, and lower the fader for line-in)

You don't say what output from your tape deck you are using. If you are using a line-out feature, then adjusting the fader as described earlier will do the trick. If however, you are using the headphone socket, then reduce the volume level on the tape deck itself.

HTH

[thepeoplespal]

meeja said:

tja said: Couple of suggestions... 1. Try using the mic socket instead of the line-in. 2. Adjust the volume level for the socket you are using (if there is a +10dB or similar "advanced" option, turn it off). Using the Mic socket will make the problem far worse. Sounds like you are pumping too much level into your line-in socket. As already suggested, try adjusting the input level for the channel you are playing into. (In windows, double-click on the speaker icon, go to recording settings, and lower the fader for line-in) You don't say what output from your tape deck you are using. If you are using a line-out feature, then adjusting the fader as described earlier will do the trick. If however, you are using the headphone socket, then reduce the volume level on the tape deck itself. HTH

Thanks.
It seems the mic has the least distortion on playback of the wav, I've unticked the "mic boost" and reduced the mic volume slider to halfway. Line-in seems worse than using the mic, no matter what the volume slider is reduced to.

The separates tape deck is connected via a Left and Right Phono out and not via the headphone jackplug.

Just wondering now how to make sure the recording will have the same sound levels as ordinary CDs? or is that something MP3 making software will do? (Haven't yet got a MP3 maker other than what appears to be non working Nero)

[meeja]

thepeoplespal said:

meeja said: tja said: Couple of suggestions... 1. Try using the mic socket instead of the line-in. 2. Adjust the volume level for the socket you are using (if there is a +10dB or similar "advanced" option, turn it off). Using the Mic socket will make the problem far worse. Sounds like you are pumping too much level into your line-in socket. As already suggested, try adjusting the input level for the channel you are playing into. (In windows, double-click on the speaker icon, go to recording settings, and lower the fader for line-in) You don't say what output from your tape deck you are using. If you are using a line-out feature, then adjusting the fader as described earlier will do the trick. If however, you are using the headphone socket, then reduce the volume level on the tape deck itself. HTH Thanks. It seems the mic has the least distortion on playback of the wav, I've unticked the "mic boost" and reduced the mic volume slider to halfway. Line-in seems worse than using the mic, no matter what the volume slider is reduced to. The separates tape deck is connected via a Left and Right Phono out and not via the headphone jackplug. Just wondering now how to make sure the recording will have the same sound levels as ordinary CDs? or is that something MP3 making software will do? (Haven't yet got a MP3 maker other than what appears to be non working Nero)

If you use decent audio recording/editing software (Sound Forge, Cool Edit Pro etc) then you have a visual input level meter, so that when you set the slider levels, you can see exactly how quiet or loud the recording is, by looking at the level meter.

To achieve perfect results, you should never allow the level meter to peak any higher than 0dB

[Mark.S]

Try Audiograbber for starters - will record straight to MP3 rather than to WAV.

I use a freebie called MP3Gain to normalize the sound levels for everything converted.

[thepeoplespal]

Another problem although not the orginal tape problem as I've got Audiograbber and it appears to do the tapes just fine.

I'm using a normalise at 91% (fine for the tapes), but I'm still getting really bad clipping when doing CD to MP3 in Audiograbber, what am I doing wrong?

Do I really have to normalise at 50% or something for CD track to MP3?

edited to add: I think it must be MS Mediaplayer 9 that is the problem as even CDs run from the CD are clipping. Have to look into getting a better MP3 player I guess.

>> Edited by thepeoplespal on Thursday 27th May 22:41

[thepeoplespal]

I've just had a complete Victor Meldrew moment.

I just don't believe it!!

It was MS Mediaplayer 9 that was the problem, just downloaded dBPowerAMP and every Bl**dy one of my wav, mp3 files work without clipping.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions for solving my problem.

Guess I should have slung the MS software first and then worked from there.