Dl32r multitrack recording- different volume during playback

[Markk70]

We have been recording at rehearsal and my drummer insists the volumes when the tracks are played back are different then when we play live.  Do I have a crazy drummer or is anybody else experiencing this issue?

[Michael Welter]

You have a crazy drummer. 

My experience is that the recorded playback sounds like it's live.

[Wynnd]

And if you're mixing down with any audio editor, you can normalize every channel.  (Something I always do.)  So it's not much of an issue.   Definitely not something to get upset about.

[Soundbyte]

I recently did a 24 track recording and yes, when I played the tracks back they were hotter. They were also peaking like crazy. It's possible that the trims need to be adjusted prior to laying down tracks, however I haven't tried it yet.

[Markk70]

We tried it again this week and some of the recorded tracks are hotter.  So, I noticed that mute does not work when playing back multitrack?  Is it possible none of the effect/compressor work when playing back usb audio?  That would certainly account for hotter tracks as the louder ones have compressor when recorded live.    While this isn't a big deal if recording for a CD, it makes the machine worthless for virtual playback.

[RoadRanger]

We tried it again this week and some of the recorded tracks are hotter.  So, I noticed that mute does not work when playing back multitrack?  Is it possible none of the effect/compressor work when playing back usb audio?  That would certainly account for hotter tracks as the louder ones have compressor when recorded live.    While this isn't a big deal if recording for a CD, it makes the machine worthless for virtual playback.

Easy enough to mess with the compression on a channel and see what's what. Also I'd be shocked if the mutes don't work - definitely a WTF were they smoking that day ?

[Harpman]

Personally, I'd rather have the recorded tracks pure (no compression or FX), since I can always add that after the fact post production in my DAW. As long as the signal isn't distorted would be more of my concern. Honestly, I don't use compression on vocals and very light on instrumentation. I would be concerned about the muting thing. and virtual playback.  Maybe having the best of both worlds and allowing to record pre or post DSP.  Have they added the 24 to 32 channel recording capability in 3.1.1?


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[Soundbyte]

We tried it again this week and some of the recorded tracks are hotter.  So, I noticed that mute does not work when playing back multitrack?  Is it possible none of the effect/compressor work when playing back usb audio?  That would certainly account for hotter tracks as the louder ones have compressor when recorded live.    While this isn't a big deal if recording for a CD, it makes the machine worthless for virtual playback.

I agree, the signal on the USB input has to be exactly the same level as it was coming off the preamp when the tracks were recorded. Otherwise, you'll end up with mismatched levels during a virtual sound check.

[Soundbyte]

I'm going to dig out my function generator and scope and find out what's going on.

[Markk70]

So...messed around more with it.    It appears the gain levels on the pres playback louder.   The gain level is actually the the record input level.   So, you need to set gain to 0 and use the trim for levels to increase the input.

So...problems still unresolved.

1.  Unable to mute or solo tracks on playback of usb hard drive.
2.  Playback mix is at least 3 db louder than live.


any ideas?

[Weogo]

Hi Mark,

I would do a recording to a laptop with whatever tracking software you like.
Run your mixer inputs near, but not in to clipping.
I would be happy as long as the tracking software doesn't see any clipping.

Are you recording loops and playing them back live, and then this level difference is an issue?

Thanks and good health,  Weogo

[Markk70]

Thanks.  I will give that a shot.  I didn't really want to drag a laptop to a show, but that might be the best option.

[Weogo]

Hi Mark,

You might want to try this at a non-show time.
This way you could send test tones in to the mixer with the level set at 1db below clipping.
If the recording program sees an extra 3db, it will show clipping.

Please report back and let us know what you discover!

Thanks and good health,  Weogo