Topic: Newby Question: volume in digital recording

[lsom]

I just got an AD-20 digital converter and an iriver H140 (with cheap sony stereo mic). Records fine using optical cable. But no matter what gain I set on the AD=20 (even all the way down), the level meters on the iriver appear to stay the same. Same goes for changing the volume on the iriver while recording. I realize I'm just capturing 1's and 0's with the iriver, but I thought I'd have to adjust something. Do I need to worry about volume levels? Do I need to put the AGC (safe) mode on to prevent overloads? Thanks

[lsom]

After further testing, the AD-20 gain DOES work (changes meter levels on the iriver). I think the mic is a bit flakey  Still what about the AGC (safe) setting, should I use it? I'm recording rock band gigs/practices so I guess I need to set the level pretty low and leave alot of headroom

[rhinowing]

avoid AGC if at all possible...I remember the iriver doing weird stuff with it's volume meters. you might want to repost this over in recording gear

[fmaderjr]

I don't use an outboard DAC (although I've played around with one into an iRiver), but I do know that if you are using an outboard DAC digital in to the iRiver you are using the iRiver simply as a bit bucket:
1) You cannot use the AGC on the iRiver (even the safe mode)
2) You cannnot adjust levels on the iRiver

You do all gain adjustment on the outboard DAC and check the levels on the iriver to be sure you are not going over.

By the way, your equipment is too good to use with one of those cheap Sony mics. They sound pretty good until you have something to compare it to. Wait until you hear your equipment with something like a Church Audio mic (and battery box assuming the AD-20 does not provide plug in power of at least 5 volts for your mics).