recording volume using Windows Sound Recorder

[mtnman82]

First time using Helix to record digitally, simply using Windows Sound Recorder app.  Easy to set up and make the recording but the recorded volume level is very low.  I cannot find a way to adjust recording volume on Sound Recorder - I have Windows input settings for Helix set to 2 channels, 16-bit, 48Khx, input volume 100%.  Cannot find a way to adjust the digital output on Helix.  Spent some time searching but have not found anything. Did learn about digital recording vs analog, and lower digital recording levels, did see posts about turning up channel volumes or other Helix blocks, but still seems to me like there has to be a way to adjust the digital output volume.  Help please?

[silverhead]

Is Sound Recorder configured to use the Line 6 ASIO driver?

[mtnman82]

How would I check that and correct if necessary?  On the Windows properties page (system>sound>properties)  I see Provider: Line 6, driver sate: 1/12/2024, driver version 2.0.0.0.  I'm thinking this is the Windows driver, not the ASIO?

[silverhead]

I don’t know how you would check that. The ASIO driver is used for commercial audio recording programs. I don’t know if it’s the default for the Sound Recorder app. But I’m not sure that’s your issues in any case, and unfortunately I have no other suggestions.

[rd2rk]

Proper recording levels (leaving headroom for mixing) are around -18 to -12db.

What levels are you seeing?

[rd2rk]

I just installed "Sound Recorder". It shows as "Voice Recorder".

Is that what you're using?

If so, the recorded level sounds right.

 

Settings>Sound>Input should show the DIGITAL AUDIO INTERFACE (Helix or similar, I tested on my HXS).

Settings>Sound>Output should show whatever your speakers are connected to.

If you open Windows Sound Panel>Recording>Digital Audio Interface>Properties>Levels the default setting in my system is 100%.

Windows Sound Panel>Playback>(default device)>Properties>Levels the default for the internal sound card is 80%, Helix is 100%.

That's all you get with Sound Recorder, it's about the most minimalist recorder I've ever seen.

There's no way to check the actual Input level in decibels.

 

Edit: Helix Global Settings>Ins/Outs>third page there's a "Digital Out Level", but that only controls the AES/DBU (L6 Link) and S/PDIF. It does not affect USB out.

[datacommando]

On 1/20/2025 at 5:45 PM, mtnman82 said:

First time using Helix to record digitally, simply using Windows Sound Recorder app.

Hi,

 

You could save yourself from a lot of grief by downloading and installing a copy of Audacity!

 

You should have a better all round experience of dipping your toe into digital recording. 
 

It is also probably better suited to what you are trying to do - plus it’s totally FREE!

 

Here’s a video:

 

https://youtu.be/xPrghMRVTHY?si=D_2BTPmSKSOMyPww
 

Hope this helps/makes sense.