Recording to PC via 1/8

4 Mar 2010, 10:54

I have a laptop with the standard headphone/microphone jack. I'd like to use the mic jack to record what is on my X8.

I figured, since my pc mic has what looks to be a stereo jack, that I would need to use the stereo output of he X8: the headphone jack.

When I hook it up, all I get is hiss.
I tried it with the mono outputs too (on the X8). Same result.
I imagine it has to do with an impedence mismatch. But I don't honestly know.

How can I fix this?

Edit: For some strange reason the sound works now, but I still get the hiss.
Edit: Also seem when I move my pc mouse (actually a touchpad) the sound changes. Same for when the hard drive starts and stops spinning.

Re: Recording to PC via 1/8

4 Mar 2010, 11:33

Just use the re-sample feature on the X8 and then move the .wav file onto the computer. No hiss.

Carl
Fantom X8, SRX-06, Mackie DFX-6, Peavey KB/A 50

Re: Recording to PC via 1/8

4 Mar 2010, 12:54

Oh gawd no, don't use the mic input on your computer.

I mean, it works, yes, I've had to do it before but the results are well, you can hear.

Phogaboam is right on the money, resampling will give you far superior quality. In this process, you might also find adding preemphasis to your samples improves the high frequencies.

Moving forward with your recording in the computer, I would strongly suggest taking a serious look at an audio interface(firewire/usb) as opposed to your stock sound card. The A/D converters will be of better quality and an external interface will be isolated from all the computer noises. You'll be amazed at the difference.

Re: Recording to PC via 1/8

4 Mar 2010, 14:07

Thanks guys, I knew in the back of my mind the interface is the way to go, and now you've confirmed it for me. Musician's friend here I come.

Re: Recording to PC via 1/8

4 Mar 2010, 14:39

I'd recommend resampling the sound. Get yourself a DIMM memory expansion and a storage card with PC card adaptor, and you can turn any song into audio with zero quality loss.