[Solved] Distortion/noise when recording

Hey Everyone,
I'm probably showing up as a new user but I've been around since S3 seeking and getting expert advice from you guys.  Now have X1 and have had NO problems.
My problem:
SUDDENLY I'm getting distortion/noise when recording vocals and guitar.  I've been using this computer that has plenty of RAM and speed for two years.  dB level of the signal max's at -6.5.  Also, very recently, had similar noise on WAV files exported from Band in the Box to Sonar X1.
 
Help please!
 
Larry Wilson

These kinds of noises can be 5 of these things, or 2 of these things, or 3 of these things, or 4 of these things or all the above. Go through them one at a time to rule them out.
 
1. Your clipping somewhere in your signal chain and/or gain stage. You said "dB level of the signal max's at -6.5." Burt that means nothing, because if the track db level is -6.5db, you can still clip on the other gian stages, like the master bus or main outs.
 
2. The routing of your tracks are not correct. Tracks go to master bus. Buses go to master bus. Track sends go to buses. Master bus goes to main outs 1/2. 
 
3. Sound card drivers are not configured correctly for that particular project. One setting does not always fit all projects as sonar projects all have different things in them which require more  or less resources and CPU. FYI: Ram had nothing to do with this. I say you said you have plenty of ram. Ram or lack of it, is not the cause...
 
4. The sound card drivers do not support your current windows and architecture or you have not installed the latest drivers form ECHO.  IIRC Echo is no longer a company, hence the support for drivers no longer exist.
 
5. Electrical or ground issues in your studio. This may require a licensed electrician to come by and take a looksie. Lifting grounds may and will cause harm and even death.
 
CJ

Well that's good news because troubleshooting audio before it goes into the computer is pretty straight forward. 
 
Sounds like a good time to rip everything apart and put it back together one piece at a time until you find where the distortion is coming from. It could be as simple as a bad cable. 
 
Start at the beginning with testing the interface as a stand alone unit. Don't hook it to anything but a mike and the headphones. If you hear distortion or static swap the cables, try a different mike etc. Try different inputs. Different headphones. Listen to the monitors. Upgrade the firmware. Double check your Pads. 
 
If you don't hear distortion start adding the pre amp etc. Make sure you use the pre amps phantom power and turn off phantom power at the interface. 
Last thing would be the USB /Firewire to the computer. 

I have to admit that I like the military style of advice from CJ.
Bang bang bang and you are done.
Thanks CJ for helping countless of lost souls here.
dan