SB Audigy

[Tom]

...turn down the volume on the synth so it doesn't go above the max level the card can take and set the card to amplify the signal 3dB.

Hey Zemus, this seems to have made a big difference -- almost eliminating the problem completely.  I had to crank down the output synths by about 60% or so to get the Audigy to work like a "normal" sound card (that doesn't use ARL), but it works!!!  It's an extra step to adjust all three synths to an approximate 60% decrease in Master Volume (which I doubt they all respond the same, anyway), but it's easy enough to re-work the balances prior to pressing the record button.  This way a great idea -- thanks!

[Zemus]

You're welcome!

It seems like most studios think that using dynamic limiters is the solution to everything these days. They do it to prevent the sound from getting too loud and also too soft (the sound can get noticeably worse in 16-bit if it's too soft). All the instruments end up with the same volume and you just get a mess.
Ok, I'm going to stop my rant from going any further I've been sitting in a car and listening to my friend's Oasis CDs for the last two hours. Whoever engineered those CDs should have been fired...

[Alistair]

I usually have my modules set to 75% volume. (Whatever that really means..)

Looks like I'll be changing that policy.

Last question- can ARVL actually affect WAV recording if the song is recorded quietly in terms of your PC settings? I plug 4 modules in daisy-chain fashion.. I'm wondering if it would be easier to simply lower my Line-In volume, or something.

- Alistair

[Zemus]

You mean the volume tab on the soundcard's mixer? That didn't help me because the synths were still playing at the same sound level and you'd get the limiter kicking in. I don't call it ARL because I think that's the function that automatically boosts the signal when whatever you're inputting is too soft. Also, Cool Edit Pro calls what the Audigy's applying to the input signal a hard limiter.

[Tom]

I'm wondering if it would be easier to simply lower my Line-In volume, or something.

Yeah, that had absolutely no effect for me; just recorded quieter with ARL.

[Alistair]

Thank you! I'm off to record. The real bugger is, goodness knows how much GK1 and SQ5/6 stuff I should probably redo.. but I won't.

- Alistair