Helpful ReplyHeadroom Problem ??

Author
SLAPHEAD
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 14
  • Joined: 2013/01/14 08:07:47
  • Location: Bristol. England
  • Status: offline
2014/06/30 10:06:10 (permalink)

Headroom Problem ??

Hello All.
I am in the process of learning to use Sonar X2 Studio and up to now, with the Help button; Tutorials and Online Vids progress is slowly being made, But I have come across what I assume to be an audio setup problem when using midi which I can't seem to rectify. 
Whenever I use a softsynth with any kind of bass end to it, be-it strings, drums and especially bass, I get a 'Rattle' for want of a better word, from my speaker/monitors. I have been told it is probably a Headroom issue which needs lowering. But try as I might, I cannot find anything which will allow me to make the necessary adjustments.
If someone could point me in the right direction I would be very grateful
Thanks
post edited by SLAPHEAD - 2014/06/30 10:12:58

Acer G5900. 8GB memory:  Win7 Pro 64 bit;  Intel Core i5 650;  Realtek High Def Soundcard;  StudioMix (peavey) Mixing desk used with midi-inline interface-USB lead;  M-Audio Keystudio midi keyboard usb;  all run through a Sherwood Stereo Amplifier;  Various Guitars/mics.  Sonar X2 Studio.
 
#1
Cactus Music
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 8424
  • Joined: 2004/02/09 21:34:04
  • Status: offline
Re: Headroom Problem ?? 2014/06/30 10:15:22 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby SLAPHEAD 2014/06/30 11:52:11
Y
post edited by Cactus Music - 2014/07/22 11:50:23

Johnny V  
Cakelab  
Focusrite 6i61st - Tascam us1641. 
3 Desktops and 3 Laptops W7 and W10
 http://www.cactusmusic.ca/
 
 
#2
SLAPHEAD
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 14
  • Joined: 2013/01/14 08:07:47
  • Location: Bristol. England
  • Status: offline
Re: Headroom Problem ?? 2014/06/30 10:29:04 (permalink)
The volume is set low and the problem persists. The monitors are fine with everything else, ltp 50 watts, stp 90 watts Frequency range; 84Hz - 20Khz  Impedance 8ohms.

Acer G5900. 8GB memory:  Win7 Pro 64 bit;  Intel Core i5 650;  Realtek High Def Soundcard;  StudioMix (peavey) Mixing desk used with midi-inline interface-USB lead;  M-Audio Keystudio midi keyboard usb;  all run through a Sherwood Stereo Amplifier;  Various Guitars/mics.  Sonar X2 Studio.
 
#3
Leadfoot
Max Output Level: -47 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 2817
  • Joined: 2011/04/26 11:08:38
  • Location: Indiana
  • Status: offline
Re: Headroom Problem ?? 2014/06/30 11:07:10 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby SLAPHEAD 2014/06/30 11:51:51
I would try setting your high pass filter around 150Hz and see if that gets rid of it. If it does, gradually adjust the frequency down to see how low you can go before you start hearing the woofer rattle. If it doesn't stop with a high pass filter, it could be your sound card needing it's settings adjusted a little higher. If you have it set at, say 512, try changing it to 1024 and see if that works. Hope that helps.
#4
SLAPHEAD
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 14
  • Joined: 2013/01/14 08:07:47
  • Location: Bristol. England
  • Status: offline
Re: Headroom Problem ?? 2014/06/30 11:56:36 (permalink)
Thanks for the advice Catcus and Leadfoot. 
Ill try your suggestions. 
Much appreciated :)
 
 
 

Acer G5900. 8GB memory:  Win7 Pro 64 bit;  Intel Core i5 650;  Realtek High Def Soundcard;  StudioMix (peavey) Mixing desk used with midi-inline interface-USB lead;  M-Audio Keystudio midi keyboard usb;  all run through a Sherwood Stereo Amplifier;  Various Guitars/mics.  Sonar X2 Studio.
 
#5
bitflipper
01100010 01101001 01110100 01100110 01101100 01101
  • Total Posts : 26036
  • Joined: 2006/09/17 11:23:23
  • Location: Everett, WA USA
  • Status: offline
Re: Headroom Problem ?? 2014/06/30 12:25:02 (permalink)
It may not be a headroom issue at all. Check your master-bus meters and maximum-peak indicators. If they're staying out of the red, then you've got adequate headroom. In that case, it's more likely what you're hearing is a resonance, either in the speakers themselves, in the desk they're sitting on, or the room itself.
 
If you use a swept sine wave test tone you'll be able to pinpoint the resonant frequency. Doing something about it is another can o' worms. If the speaker is sitting on a shelf or table, you may be able to mitigate the problem by placing acoustical absorbers beneath the speakers. Or you may be able to apply an equalizer to the master bus and notch out the offending frequency. But the first step is to determine if it's a resonance, and if so, what its frequency is.


All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. 

My Stuff
#6
SLAPHEAD
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 14
  • Joined: 2013/01/14 08:07:47
  • Location: Bristol. England
  • Status: offline
Re: Headroom Problem ?? 2014/06/30 15:24:03 (permalink)
Monitor brand is Acoustic Solutions AV21 Speakers. routed through a Sherwood A1-2210 amplifier. But Im sure its not the speakers as prior to using Sonar I used Mixcraft6 (the results being broadcast in Australia, Brazil, Canada, UK etc) which you can hear on soundcloud/barrymoran. I also dabbled with pro-tools using the same computer/amp and speakers set-up with no distortion problems whatsoever, that's why I'm puzzled with this problem atm.
Anyway, Ill consider what you suggest. 

Acer G5900. 8GB memory:  Win7 Pro 64 bit;  Intel Core i5 650;  Realtek High Def Soundcard;  StudioMix (peavey) Mixing desk used with midi-inline interface-USB lead;  M-Audio Keystudio midi keyboard usb;  all run through a Sherwood Stereo Amplifier;  Various Guitars/mics.  Sonar X2 Studio.
 
#7
bitflipper
01100010 01101001 01110100 01100110 01101100 01101
  • Total Posts : 26036
  • Joined: 2006/09/17 11:23:23
  • Location: Everett, WA USA
  • Status: offline
Re: Headroom Problem ?? 2014/06/30 17:53:09 (permalink)
Those must be some LOUD speakers if they can hear them in Australia! 


All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. 

My Stuff
#8
SLAPHEAD
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 14
  • Joined: 2013/01/14 08:07:47
  • Location: Bristol. England
  • Status: offline
Re: Headroom Problem ?? 2014/07/01 05:52:55 (permalink)
Leadfoot.
You were spot on. I did as you suggested and BINGO !!  Problem  Sorted. Thx M8 
You also gave good advice without a sarcastic dig or a condescending remark, and I thank you for that too.
Stay Safe M8 

Acer G5900. 8GB memory:  Win7 Pro 64 bit;  Intel Core i5 650;  Realtek High Def Soundcard;  StudioMix (peavey) Mixing desk used with midi-inline interface-USB lead;  M-Audio Keystudio midi keyboard usb;  all run through a Sherwood Stereo Amplifier;  Various Guitars/mics.  Sonar X2 Studio.
 
#9
Leadfoot
Max Output Level: -47 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 2817
  • Joined: 2011/04/26 11:08:38
  • Location: Indiana
  • Status: offline
Re: Headroom Problem ?? 2014/07/01 15:24:22 (permalink)
Glad to help!
#10
Jump to:
© 2024 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1