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Previously, I was using my Tascam US-1641 as an interface for my computer to record various projects. My only issue with the Tascam was that I hated adjusting the volume of the audio using the knobs on the interface. I picked up a used Zoom R16 because I liked the idea of using the sliders as opposed to the knobs to adjust the volume of a recording input. The only issue is that the sliders do not adjust the volume of the sound from within Audition (during recording). Is this possible? Am I missing something obvious?

Comments

GZsound Fri, 12/02/2011 - 12:17

Your Zoom should control the input volume.

When you say it won't control the audio from "within" Audition, you mean you can't control the volume of a track recorded in Audition with the Zoom? That makes sense because the sliders on the Zoom only control the channel OUTPUT of the Zoom..they would have no effect whatsoever on the volume after you record the track into your recorder.

Use the Audition mixer for that.

ericgcollyer Fri, 12/02/2011 - 12:24

GZsound, post: 379958 wrote: Your Zoom should control the input volume.

When you say it won't control the audio from "within" Audition, you mean you can't control the volume of a track recorded in Audition with the Zoom? That makes sense because the sliders on the Zoom only control the channel OUTPUT of the Zoom..they would have no effect whatsoever on the volume after you record the track into your recorder.

Use the Audition mixer for that.

Sorry for not being clear. I am trying to adjust the volume of the track while recording. So, when I am testing my recording levels whether the slider is set to +12dB or -(infinity)dB the volume of the track within Audition is the same. The only way I can adjust the volume of the track (pre recording, or during recording) in Audition is by using the gain knobs and not the sliders. I use the Zoom as a multitrack recorder. I map each individual line on the Zoom to a track within Audition. Does that make more sense?

TheJackAttack Fri, 12/02/2011 - 20:53

The "sliders" don't control the input gain. You use the rotary knobs at the top of the channel to adjust the input level. The Analog to Digital Conversion occurs just after the rotary knob and then it is sent down the rest of the channel. Your fader will only control the signal being sent to the Zoom Master fader just like on an analog console. This is the standard arrangement on all similar workstations as well as all analog/digital mixing desks.

Audition is functioning perfectly correct.

RemyRAD Fri, 12/02/2011 - 21:23

The volume level settings in Audition are strictly for playback output mixing.

Your preamp has again trim on it as it should. And while you might not like turning a knob to adjust the level, why should you have problems with that if you're willing to adjust it in software? You're an engineer aren't you? That's what engineers do. If you don't want to adjust the volume setting on the preamp, pay somebody to do it for you or send it back to the factory to have it adjusted.

It's no different going through the ZOOM. You still have to manually adjust the microphone preamp gain setting. And that's because different microphones, put out different amounts of level/voltages which requires that the actual gain producing circuitry has to be properly " gain staged " to get the optimum headroom (freedom from distortion) along with the best signal to noise floor generally expressed as signal to noise ratio. Software can only work upon things after it has been etched in stone.

If you're reluctant to actually grab a volume control, please don't hang a sign on your door indicating you are a recording studio. Recording studios require knob and dial twiddlers and are not generally equipped with automated gumball machines that don't require you to crank the coin through to get your monkey style treat. You can wave your hands in the air but you'll still get no cigar. And that's because cigars will not generally traverse themselves off of the back counter to magically fly into your hand. You have to actually digitally extract it, manually. Since we are now living in the digital age, that should cause you less confusion over the magic analog hand flailing technique.

Are you missing something? Yes, the manuals.
Mx. Remy Ann David

cruisemates Sat, 06/23/2012 - 12:10

Wow - you're a moderator? I realize the Zoom is not a "pro recording" device but at $399 I was just in this site (which I used to frequent more commonly but migated elsewhere) researching one to have around the house for songwriting. Yeah, I also have my Neumann U-67 (telefunken EF86) Tube Mic, Blu Robbie and ProTools setup, but sometimes I don't want to deal with upgrading my computer before put down a simple song idea.

So - is it standard procedure as a moderator to talk to people like idiots just because they don't know what you know?

audiokid Sat, 06/23/2012 - 12:30

cruisemates, post: 390928 wrote:

So - is it standard procedure as a moderator to talk to people like idiots just because they don't know what you know?

Paul, don't mind Remy, she has a way about her, to be taken not so serious on the insults. Read between the lines and you will learn a lot from her. She is extremely proficient in many area's of audio that go back to the days of "pay attention and you will learn, waste our time and another persons willing to listen will take your spot in a heart beat". "There are people paying money here that expect a professional product and things to work. NBC Action... ". If that makes any sense?

So, sometimes she comes across as , well how you sensed . She is a reality check, no BS approach approach. Not everyone can be gentle handed in this business and although she has a very soft spot, she is serious about this business and puts both sides in most of her posts.
I could say more , hope you continue being who you are and hang with us.