How to control input gain with X3

[357mag]

I just recorded a short guitar lick into Reaper and the volume on the track was too much. It was too hot. I would have sworn that before what I did was open the Line 6 Tools folder and open up the Audio and Midi Devices box and then click on the Inputs & Recording tab and then I used the slider that says Hardware Monitor Level and control the gain on the track in Reaper. Least that's what I thought I did.

 

Tried that now and the only thing that did was lower the volume of my guitar in my headphones (which I don't want). It had no effect on controlling the volume or gain on the track.

 

Where did I go wrong?

[silverhead]

Is the input signal clipping in Reaper? It’s been a long time since I’ve had/used an X3 bit iirc that same control panel item also has a USB Boost switch. Perhaps that is active?

[357mag]

No I don't see any USB Boost Switch. I can't recall if the input signal was clipping while I was recording, but the meters were pretty close to the top and the size of the waveform was pretty big. 

 

I think I can control the input gain by turning down the Tone Volume knob on the X3, or turning down the black knob that controls the number in the bottom right of the screen on the X3.

 

But again I'd rather not do it that way.

 

I'd like to keep the volume up in my headphones and just be able to lower the input gain on the track I'm recording on.

[silverhead]

If the signal clipped when recording it’s too late for that track. Can’t be unclipped now. The waveform might indicate clipping - the peak of a wave will hit (or be very close to) the top of the track lane.

 

In general, input gain needs to be controlled at the input (recording) stage. Can’t be unbaked after recording. 

[357mag]

I know. I was not recording anything important. I simply recorded a lick I was working on so I could post it on a forum for others to hear. It wasn't important.

 

But if you know of a way to control (turn down or up) the input gain other than turning down the dials on the X3 please post.

 

Maybe I could turn down the Tone Volume to set the recording level and then compensate for the loss of volume in my headphones by turning up the Master Volume.

[silverhead]

Are you using the X3 as your audio interface to Reaper? If so, you should be aware that the Volume knob does not control the level of the USB signal being sent to Reaper so you should be able to use it to control your headphones level. The USB Send level is fixed in the X3. If it is too high you may be able to control it in Reaper after arming the track for recording.

[357mag]

If I remember correctly, I'm pretty sure the Tone Volume control on the X3 does in fact control input level gain.

[silverhead]

Maybe I’m confused. From the X3 manual, pg 8-3:

 

“The Master Volume knob on POD X3, POD X3 Live or POD X3 Pro does NOT affect the USB, S/PDIF or AES/EBU output levels.”

 

I don’t see anything about the Tone Volume controlling USB Send level.

[357mag]

That is correct. But the Tone Volume does. I will find out for sure when I try it.