I recently got a new computer, along with Windows 8-64 bit, and this is the first time I've had the opportunity to lay down some vocal tracks using Sonar X2a.
I use an M-Audio 1010LT audio interface to connect my microphone to the computer.  But when I adjust the volume slider (or trim) on the Sonar audio track the only thing it affects is the audio level of what I'm hearing coming from the mic.  The actual record levels stay the same (all too hot).
The only way it seems that I can adjust the actual recording level is by adjusting it in the software control panel for the 1010LT interface, which is not exactly a convenient, user-friendly way of doing things.

I have the Input Echo set to "ON", so I'm able to hear my vocals with the mix while I'm recording.  And even though I have no efx on the track, it sounds like I've got a delay/echo efx on it.

Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?  I'm guessing it has something to do with how my Windows sound is configured.  For this record input I have the "what you hear" option disabled.
Thanks for any suggestions!

SONAR has nothing to do with your recording levels, they are adjusted in the audio interface where the A/D converters are. AFAIK that's the way in most/all DAWs. They have no control over your soundcard. Some music software have a "fake" level control for adjusting the level between A/D and the audio track, but even then, if the audio comes clipped through the converters, it stays clipped, no matter what you do, or, if it's too low, raising the level raises the noise as well.

You need to have your buffers/latency set low enough, FX or no FX, even though audio really isn't very latency sensitive. The default ASIO latency is set at 50 ms, IIRC, and that is too high.
Set the track slider at 0 dB and adjust the input level in 1010 appropriately.

You're not doing anything wrong. SONAR (or any other software) can't control the signal level until after it's been recorded. You must always use your audio interface controls to adjust the input signal level.

Scott

--
Scott R. Garrigus - http://garrigus.com - SONAR X2 Power! - http://garrigus.com/?SonarX2Power
* Author of the Cakewalk Sonar and Sony Sound Forge Power book series: http://garrigus.com/?PowerBooks
* Author of the Cakewalk Sonar ProAudioTutor video tutorial series: http://garrigus.com/?ProAudioTutor
* Publisher of the DigiFreq free music technology newsletter: http://digifreq.com/?DigiFreq
* Publisher of the NewTechReview free consumer technology newsletter: http://newtechreview.com/?NewTechReview

You either have to use the trim knob on your audio interface or if it doesn't have one use a pre-amp, mixer or other hardware to attenuate the input level. The signal needs to be tamed BEFORE it hits the digital converters. If it is clipping before it gets turned into a digital signal Sonar can't do anything about it and even most interface software won't control it. Not sure if the 1010's have a trim knob but if so use that to set your level. Otherwise use a mixer. Then it's probably best to check the input level in the interface software to make sure it isn't clipping there THEN check Sonar for clipping... using the trim knob or mixer the whole way. Try to sing at the loudest volume you expect to be recording then turn it down a little from there. You can always turn things up in the mix but never after it is recorded. I learned all this the hard way. Good luck.

Oh and disable windows sound or any other sound devices on your system. Use the 1010 exclusively for recording purposes or whatever interface you are trying to use.

Beepster
Oh and disable windows sound or any other sound devices on your system. Use the 1010 exclusively for recording purposes or whatever interface you are trying to use. 

Actually, I find it better to keep the built-in PC soundcard activated. I then assign that to Windows and use my audio interface exclusively for audio software. That way, Windows doesn't try to interfere with the audio interface. Plus, I can still use Windows Media Player and other Windows software that requires audio output.


Scott

--
Scott R. Garrigus - http://garrigus.com - SONAR X2 Power! - http://garrigus.com/?SonarX2Power
* Author of the Cakewalk Sonar and Sony Sound Forge Power book series: http://garrigus.com/?PowerBooks
* Author of the Cakewalk Sonar ProAudioTutor video tutorial series: http://garrigus.com/?ProAudioTutor
* Publisher of the DigiFreq free music technology newsletter: http://digifreq.com/?DigiFreq
* Publisher of the NewTechReview free consumer technology newsletter: http://newtechreview.com/?NewTechReview

Wow! Thanks guys for the replies. I've been using Sonar for years and have recorded dozens of songs (with vocals), and I'm just learning this? I think the reason I am noticing this now is because I also got a new microphone that requires a phantom power supply, and I'm guessing that makes it a little hotter than the old Shure mic I was using. So all that time I was recording vocal tracks, I was never adjusting the record levels! I astound myself sometimes! :( Thanks again for the replies!

Hi, Scott. I'll defer to your wisdom but I've disabled all actual windows "sounds" (like warnings, bells, whistes, farts, etc) so my system is completely silent. Then WMP and other programs run through my interface. Seems to be working well so far but I could see how some folks might want to keep their on board sound device active. On my old system before I knew any better I would have to re route everything to use WMP for playback so I just find having it all coming from one source easier. Again though I defer to your judgement on this as I'm still learning. Cheers.

@Leee... It happens. I've had hundreds of "D'oh" moments since I've joined this forum. This place rules. Have fun.

Oh and if I really need to get at my onboard sound it's only a couple clicks away VIA the control panel... well, God Mode actually. Much quicker than the standard 7 way.