Topic: Microtrack Clipping Problem

[insanescott]

Several months back I bought a Microtrack recorder, SP-CMC-4U mics, and a hommade battery box.  I recorded a jazz show with beautiful results, maybe a slight bit of clipping.  I have set my levels for all of my recordings on the low setting and set the volume input the whole way down.  Tonight I recorded a rock show.  It was a mostly ambient band with slightly more "rocking" parts.  My recording sounded terrible!!  Basically everything clipped except for the really soft parts.  Again, I've had my levels set as low as possible.  Does anyone have any suggestions in resolving my clipping problems?  Thanks in advance.

Scott

[yousef]

Are you going into the mic or line input? And how have you got the L/M/H switch set?

[insanescott]

Hey man.  My switch is set to Low.  Also, I am using the mic input.  Any help is GREATLY appreciated.  Thanks.

Scott

[yousef]

In that case, I'd say you definitely need to be going line-in - the mic input mustn't be able to cope with the levels your mics are providing.

I'm guessing that your mics terminate in a 1/8" stereo jack? If so, you'll need to find a way of converting that to two mono 1/4" jacks. I know Sound Pros do a couple of these fairly cheaply but I'm sure you could pick up a short cable to do the job from Maplin or Radio Shack or whoever.

I couldn't find a suitable adaptor and didn't fancy paying for the Sound Pros solution but someone here provided plans for a very tidy low-profile adaptor which I'm more than happy with. If you're handy(ish) with a soldering iron, this is definitely the way to go.

And once you've sorted that out, make sure you turn off the +27dB boost on the line input...

[insanescott]

Hey man.  Thanks so much for the help.  My mics do connect to the microtrack by means of 1 stereo 1/8th inch input.  I will definitely have to head to my local Radio Shack and pick up a little adapter.   Also, what plans are you referring to in your last comment?  I am decently handy with a soldering iron.  If you can send a link to these plans and think they might be helpful, I would love to take a look.  Also, I have turned off the +27 boost ages ago.  Thanks so much for the help.

Scott

[yousef]

 Also, what plans are you referring to in your last comment?

I think I still have them on a PM - I'll drop you a line.

[dactylus]

Are you going into the mic or line input? And how have you got the L/M/H switch set?

You definitely need to be going line in - I made the exact same mistake with my MT my first two times out!!

[guysonic]

Microtrack has not obvious acceptable input sensitivity/limits that's different between 1/8" and TRS inputs.  To use this deck without disappointments you should know about these things.

Make sure your firmware is current 1.4.5

Input characteristics and other facts about the MT at: www.sonicstudios.com/mt2496rv.htm#inputs

[hawghunter]

Read this nice thread (good reading), it may be an issue with powering the mics, or a mod may be needed for you mics. My mics are getting the mod right now.

 http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,79098.0.html