HD500X Recording Levels

[DaveLeeNC]

I am pretty new to all this stuff and am running a HD500X into a pair of monitor speakers (1/4" line connection to my guitar and to the speakers) and use the POD editor to control things. My laptop is a relatively recent Dell XPS running Windows 10. All updates that I am aware of have been applied either via the Line6 Monkey or Windows Update. I am using the Line6 drivers. 

 

I just installed Audacity to do some simple recording. The problem that I have is that Audacity sees EXTREMELY low input signals from my 500X. Where Audacity would suggest input levels (as they measure them) of around -6db, I cannot get anything higher than maybe -20db. And I only get that by maxing out channel volume and master (and turning down the volume controls mounted on my monitor speakers so that it is not unbearably loud). 

 

I have set the 'Levels' on my Windows 10 DIgital Audio Interface Properties to the max (100). I also set the recording input level on Audacity to the max. Something seems to be wrong here. I did notice that the time I recorded via my webcam (again through the Line6 sound card) things were quieter than I would wish. 

 

Is there some other path to "turning up the volume" on the HD500X -> laptop path? 

 

Thanks.

 

dave

[DaveLeeNC]

I guess that I will leave this here for future reference. But in the Windows Dialog of Speaker (rt. click) -> Recording Devices -> Recording Tab -> Digital Audio Interface Properties -> Custom Tab, you will find a handy dandy "Microphone Boost" option that seems to resolve this. 

 

dave

[rd2rk]

What exactly is "Windows 10 Digital Audio Interface". If you're using the laptop's onboard audio, that could be the problem, it's not made for this application.

 

If you're using some type of external audio interface (what kind?), and you're using the XLR outs on the HD, they output a lower signal than the 1/4" out.

 

You can also try raising the mixer levels on the POD.

 

I'm not familiar with Audacity, so maybe someone who is could chime in, that's all I can think of for now.

[cruisinon2]

Makes sure the 1/4" out switch (just to the left of the expression pedal) is set to "LINE", not "AMP" which is putting out an instrument level signal and is intended for running into the front end of a guitar amp.

[silverhead]

Make sure Audacity is configured to use the Hd500 and its ASIO driver as the audio input and output device. Avoid using Audacity's default ASIO4ALL driver.

[pfsmith0]

Plug your guitar straight into your Win10 Audio Interface and see what levels Audacity reads. That'll tell you how much gain you'll need from the HD500X. If it's a lot (perhaps 20dB or so) then you may need another interface or put in a few Studio EQs FX blocks with the proper gain selected.

[bjnette]

Why not record via the HD500's USB.

Up the HD volumes to get the level around -6db.

On your monitoring roll that back to get the level you want to hear.