I am getting distortion when I plug my guitar in

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Dentron
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2012/04/23 21:20:22 (permalink)

I am getting distortion when I plug my guitar in

  I finally was able to start working with Sonar 8.5 Producer after having it for a year. My problem is getting distortion when I plug a guitar directly into the interface in Input 2 with the Hi-Z button in. I feel like I need to go to a JC to learn how to use this. If someone could help that would be great. I am using a PC with Cakewalk UA-25EX Interface using Sonar 8.5 Producer with Windows 7 64 bit. Is there a clear tutorial or some other resource to learn how to use the software? It seems to be tough for me to get comfortable with setting it up properly. Any help is greatly appreciated.
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    Cactus Music
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    Re:I am getting distortion when I plug my guitar in 2012/04/23 23:42:10 (permalink)
    The Software does not control the input levels, this is all done before the A/D convertors with the interface. Plug the headphones in and try all possible settings. Is this an Acoustic guitar with a Pre amp? I see the 2 channels are very different . So you just need to learn the proper setting for each channel and the instrument you are using. It say's there is an on-board compressor. is that on? If set wrong it will distort. Before you even turn the computer on everything needs to be set properly with the UA 25
    post edited by Cactus Music - 2012/04/24 11:43:09

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    Kalle Rantaaho
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    Re:I am getting distortion when I plug my guitar in 2012/04/24 01:42:59 (permalink)
    Maybe you should describe the details a little more...in addition to what Cactus already asked.

    How is the input level setting of the UA? Do you get distortion even when the level is very low?

    Yes, there are tutorials and 1500 pages of info in the help files, but also make sure you've understood the interface correctly.

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    daveny5
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    Re:I am getting distortion when I plug my guitar in 2012/04/24 14:24:41 (permalink)
    Are you plugging an electric guitar directly into the UA-25EX or into a stomp box or amp first? 

    You may need to turn the input sensitivity down so you don't overdrive the inputs. 

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    Dentron
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    Re:I am getting distortion when I plug my guitar in 2012/04/25 11:11:52 (permalink)
    Thanks for the help. I was able to contact the help desk, and they were very helpful in solving the issue. It appears to be a combination of things related to the output channel as well as the sensitivity as it relates to the channel I used. Thanks for the quick response.
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    Guitarhacker
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    Re:I am getting distortion when I plug my guitar in 2012/04/25 17:33:04 (permalink)
    Most people like distortion on a guitar.... but first, check the input levels because a guitar should be unpleasantly clean straight in. 

    You don't happen to have an amp sim loaded do you? 

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