Recording to PC through the soundcard

[ToneFusion]

I usually record straight from my keyboard into the soundcard on my PC. I have basically been too lazy to learn how to properly use midi etc. Anyway, I can't seem to get the sound levels right. I am using Acid 5.0 to record the tracks. I also have to use the Microphone input because the Line In is only recognized on the left audio channel. If I turn the keyboard up too loud, the speakers seem to strain. If I turn the keyboard volume down and turn the mic volume up it does the same. So, I have those turned down, record, and the volume level when playing back the track is so low I can hardly hear it. There has got to be a better way to do this. Is there something out there that will allow me to plug my keyboard into it and it plug into the pc via usb etc? Or is there just a better way to do this all together? Thanks!

[EloHiR ElEnDIl]

There a several threads with this type of topics:
http://jordanrudess.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4620&highlight=home+studio

http://jordanrudess.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5020

You only need and audio interface.check those threads and you'll find advices

and record through the mic input sucks.I have been recording that way and I get lot of latency that's why I'm planning buying an audio interface!:P

[ToneFusion]

At one point I had it so it sounded pretty nice, but I just bought a new keyboard and I'm trying to get it working again....although I am failing. An audio interface would be cool but the prices I've seen are way too high for me at the moment. :(

[EloHiR ElEnDIl]

yeah I know I get your point.and the cheaps one are not too good.perhaps buying a soundcard like an audigy or something like that.

[Farren]

Your line-in is probably a 3.5mm stereo input. Send the signal stereo and you won't have that problem. As for MIDI, it's really entirely different than sending a raw audio signal like you want to do. Sending MIDI, which would send MIDI code to your computer, would force your keyboard to act as a controller for your computer and any softsynths or whatever you wish to remotely control.

Also, latency on mic input? Yeah right, not unless you're sending say a guitar signal which is then reprocessed and outputted.

Also2, a soundcard IS an audio interface.

Also3, don't recommend soundcards when you were just asking about them and seem to understand little of what you were told.

[EloHiR ElEnDIl]

dont get your also #1.
I know a soundcard it's a interface but not a good one for recording.
Also3:with a high end soundcard you'll get better results.

[Farren]

So soundcards aren't good for recording, but soundcards are good for recording? Ok.

[EloHiR ElEnDIl]

my point is that through a mic input you won't get good results but perhaps with a good soundcard you can get better results(but not as good as with a good interface).

pd:If you think you know more why don't you tell him what to do instead of tell me things.

[Grey Loki]

Well, I work as a recording engineer, so I think I can clear a few things up. I also use dictionary.com ;)

An interface is basically (in computer terms) a piece of hardware which allows you to 'interface' different pieces of equipment with your computer. Hence, a sound card -IS- an interface. Professional interfaces are called so because they want to sound different from 'sound card'. Plus they normally have more inputs/outputs, thus facilitating the usage as an interface, rather than a plain sound card.

For normal home recording from a single keyboard through a 3.5mm jack, a normal sound card would be fine. If it has a joystick port, great - a £5 MIDI cable will get you sorted for softsynths, too.

Yes, you do get latency on MIDI, if you have a poor interface/sound card. Just play around with sample rates and the like, and you'll soon fix it.

I suppose it is -possible- to get lag issues on an audio recording, if you were running lots of applications on a slow PC, with effects and other plugins running on your recording software.

It would be easier, Elohir Elendil, if you just took an output from your keyboard amp and turned down your PC speakers, then did any sound checking by the level meters your recording program surely has. That way you don't get any lag at all because you're hearing yourself playing through an amp.

Hmm. Was there anything else?

Ah, Elohir Elendil, Farren was advising you so that you don't make the same mistake twice, because that's just silly.

Oh yes, the actual TOPIC. Haha, right - let's get down to cases.

If your line-input only accepts data on the left channel, i'd check settings in both your windows sound manager, and your recording program (Acid 5.0 - i've never used it, so I can't give an exact tutorial).

USB only transfers data - it's impractical for audio, although some of the newer MIDI controller keyboards will communicate with a PC either by normal MIDI (Good), or via USB (Not so good, but useful for those with crap soundcards - i.e those without gameports).

When I record or sound check, I find it easiest to set every level on the PC to zero, then put your keys volume at a comfortable level. Half is normally ok on your amp. I then set a demo song going, or a soft pad with a brick on the sustain switch (:P), and slowly raise the levels on your PC until you get a level you're happy with.

If things still crackle, i'd check outputs and inputs for quality or damage and the like. Also, the windows sound recorder, while limited, is a useful diagnostic tool - it can tell you whether the problem is with Acid, or with your PC.

I think that's about it. Hope it helps, ToneFusion.

[Michael Troy]

All I can say is...WOW!

[ChrisMcCoy]

On the subject of recording interfaces...
Any of you guys using one of these ?
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Delta44/

I was thinking of picking one up for my pc just to get some ideas down onto the hard drive. Price seems really good.

C.

[keythief]

Well I use the Delta 66 card with the Omni i/o breakout box (it has mic pres w/ phantom power ) and it works great...my friend has the 44 setup to record off the mixer at his place and has had great results with it....only thing I would mention is that there seems to be noise issues with windows 2000 and ME, but works fine with 98 and XP with the right driver, but for the money it's a great interface....hope that helps