Technology sucks

[sunchild]

Can anyone explain why when i try to record vinyl onto my new cdr-w500c/w100 recorder the volume is incredibly low (almost unaudable).Its new,i was so happy,now im fed up.Please help 

[kempie]

Can you set the recording level?

[sunchild]

cheers kempie,yeah set the levels but to no avail.Just been told i had to boost my signal but dont know what that means or how to do it?

[wideboy]

Which turntable are you using and how are you connecting it to your recorder. You may need a pre-amp between the two (a turntable doesn't give out the same signal as other Hi-Fi devices). Or are you connecting through an amp?

[sunchild]

im just using dodgy soundlab turntables but going through a gemini ps- 626i mixer & then a technics su-v300 amp.Trying to record my mixes but it just aint working.

[tomd]

You need a pre-amp, to connect between your turntables and the amp / recording setup. The output from the turntables is very low, like a microphone, and the amp needs "line level" signal (like that output from a CD deck) to work.

Check the decks are connected to "Phono" inputs, either by using the Phono 2 and Phono 3 inputs on the back of the gemini (not the Line 2 and Line 3 inputs) or using the combined input for Channel 1 and switching the "Phono 1 / Line 1" switch to phono.

[sunchild]

tomd you are a legend,im going to go & sort it out now.Any ideas on a good pre amp.

[wideboy]

If you still need a pre-amp these two get good reviews without paying silly money (you might find cheaper ones at Maplin). I use the Pro-ject one. However you only need a pre-amp if your SU amp doesn't have a phono input.

HiFiBitz.co.uk
http://www.hifibitz.co.uk/product.asp?id=598

Pro-ject Phonobox MK II MM/MC Phono Pre-amplifier PROPHONOBOX �49.99
Metal case shields the electronics from vibrational and electromagnetic interference
Outboard power supply included
Small size allows installation close to record player
Optimal channel separation through dual-mono circuitry
Special low-noise ICs used
Gold plated RCA connection sockets 
 
Or the NAD one:-
http://www.hifibitz.co.uk/product.asp?id=904

NAD PP-2 Phono Pre-amp NADPP2 �46.99
Many of today's stereo and AV amplifiers and receivers have either eliminated the phonograph input altogether, or included a low cost - and low performance - circuit for attaching your turntable. The PP 2 offers superb performance in a neat and simple package for a very reasonable cost. The NAD PP 2 is a vastly improved successor to the very popular PP 1, arguably the most successful device of its kind.

Selectable MM and MC Phono Stage
External 24 volt Power Supply
Gold Plated Sockets
Close Tolerance High Quality Components
LED Power Indicator

[wideboy]

Just checked the spec. on the technics suv300 and it does have phono inputs so try your mixer into these. If this still doesn't work then yes, you do need a pre-amp between your turntable and the mixer. As an experiment, try the turntable staright into the amp just to see if you can get the volume you want.

One other alternative (nearly as cheap as the pre-amp) is to get the Bush MTT1 turntable, which has a built-in pre-amp that is switchable, for about �45 to �50. Don't be put off by its looks - it works very well and was even reviewed in What Hi-Fi (it's the deck I use to transfer vinyl). It can then be used with an amp (pre-amp switched off) or with a midi system (pre-amp on - maybe the setting that suits your mixer setup). Best of both worlds?

[tomd]

You shouldn't need a seperate pre-amp, there's some built into the mixer. Check that your turntables are connected to the "Phono" Inputs, as described in earlier post.

Another thing to check is that the main meters on the Gemini desk have a nice healthy level - it should fill up most of the green LEDs and be tickling the first set of yellow. Then take this output straight into your cd recorder.