Input level - meter?

This might seem like a stupid question, but I need to ask it as the GB help doesn't explain it clearly. Where should one set input level for recording and where does one MONITOR that level via a meter reading (to check for clipping, etc)? This seems like such a basic need, so I'm confused to why it's not clearer.
I'm using an M-Audio FW410 which has it's own software mixer, but from their manual it seems the input level should be set from within GB.
I've experimented with the Recording Level slider in GB and even when it's not greyed out I'm not hearing a difference in signal, even if I turn it to 0. Do I actually have to go to the Sound control panel in System Preferences for this? I should mention I'm recording a "real instrument" track and my signal is coming through loud and clear.
The only two level meters I see from within GB are for each track's volume (which is just for mixing and/or monitoring while recording, correct?) and the master volume slider/meter at the bottom.
thanks,
Scott

The meter on each input should be reading at a sensible level: not over-peaking but not too low either. The main control has no effect on these levels, only on the final mix. For example, if the main control was at a normal setting, and you had a number of channels all at a high level, then they would add together and you would need to bring the final level down to prevent it over-peaking. The level should be set sensible at every stage.
You set the input in the GarageBand Preferences, so this will show what you are using. If you have your interface selected then the internal mic is not in use.

Similar Messages

Input level meter in Audition CS5.5

I can't find an input level meter in audition CS5.5. I have to go my windows 7 control panel find me device and set the levels. So, to set levels I have to have two windows open, one control panel audio adjustment window and one soundbooth window where I actually record and watch meter, then I erase and record for real.
I must be overlooking something -- every other audio program I have ever used lets you set input levels while watching the meter. I've been through the help, and Googled it and I can't figure it out. In Audition, how do I set input levels from within Audition CS5.5 (not in windows 7 control panel)?
Thanks!

Short answer, no!
Audition merely records EXACTLY what the input device is sending to it. In normal useage the "level" of the signal to be recorded would be set externally, e.g. by use of an audio mixer or a "gain" control on the input device. I assume you are recording by using a line or mic plugged straight to your computer? In which case, the Windows Audio Control Panel is the only way to set levels.
Jeff

Input level meter not working in multitrack

Wanted to see if anyone could help with this problem. This problem has persisted in 5.5 and now 6. My input levels work fine in wave editor but not in multitrack. When I try to right click it's greyed out. Im a vo artist so my setup is pretty straight forward.
I'm going from my Shure ksm 32 mic to an Art voice channel preamp which then goes via usb to my Macbook Pro. I record in mono...my input is the codex for my mic and my output is default because im listening thru my macs output on my headphones. The small signal meter in the track works but not the big one I use to monitor my level. As I stated when I bring into waveform it works fine. What's annoying is that it worked for like 5 minutes but I can not get it to work now to save my life. I've tried switching up the inputs and outputs but nothing helps.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I use a PC not Mac so can't be sure things work the same, but try hitting the "Monitor Input" (the capital I button) in the track control area at the lest hand end of the track. On mine this switches the big main meters to monitor the input to any track(s) set this way.

Audio via USB displays input level but no sound is heard.

I have a Roland System 1 synth that features audio via USB. I have installed the drivers, and the System 1 is showing up in my menu for system preferences/sound. When I select the System 1 as my input device, play the keys, and adjust the synths volume knob, the input level meter responds accordingly, showing that the Mac is hearing the output of the synth. However, I can not get the sound to come out of the speakers! The Mac's internal speakers are set as my output device, and they are turned up and working fine with all other audio.

I have MIDI working fine in my DAW.
I just can't get any audio to play through USB, which is a feature of the System 1.
System 1 is set as my input device (driver has been installed) within system preferences/sound, I play the keys, and adjust the synths volume knob, the input level meter responds accordingly in the preferences window, showing that the Mac is hearing the output of the synth. No sound is heard.
All other Audio/system sounds/itunes/etc. can be heard.

Audio line-in port - input level shows sound but nothing from speakers

I have a Genus DAB radio attached to the Audio line-in port on my Macbook running Leopard 10.5.3. The input level meter shows sound but nothing is heard through the speakers.
I have tested my headphones and connected the radio up to a PC and all is well, ca anyone suggest a fix for this? (I have seen the same issue elsewhere on this forum with no replies).
Many thanks,
Gary

What audio application are you using to pass the audio through the input to the speakers/headphones?
-Doug

Level meter stops randomly during input

using 64bit Logic 9- latest version. While using a channel with audio input with "I" selected in channel strip, the level meter will randomly go flat but sound is still passing. usually toggling the "R" box will get it working again, but repeatedly it will drop out- anyone experience this?? if so, any conclusions?
thanks!

I suspect a problem with your audio interface. The next time it happens, you could test that theory by trying this. Open Preferences > Audio and uncheck "Enabled" (under "Core Audio"). Press the button Apply Changes. Then check Enabled, and Apply Changes again. Does that fix it? Maybe your audio drivers need an update, or there is some other issue related to your audio interface.

Signal Level Meter

Signal Level Meter
CATV Signal Level Meter GAO2002 is specially designed for CATV system maintenance. Signal Level Meter GAO2002 features small size (160mm x 130mm x 65mm) , light weight (368g including battery), long operating time (more than 6 hours), and well-built from appearance to architecture. Signal Level Meter GAO2002 combines the most practical functions and makes them easy to use. What is even better about this piece of equipment is that its added aseismatic design makes it more durable than you can expect. Tests show that it can continue to work well after being dropped from 5 meters high. It supports Level, V/A, Tilt and Trunk Level testing as well as testing two channels at the same time.
CATV Signal Level Meter GAO2002 Specifications:
Frequency
Frequency range: 46MHz ~ 860MHz
Frequency step: 50kHz, 1MHz, 10MHz and 100MHz
Level Measurement
Range: 20dBuV ~ 50dBuV
Accuracy: ±20dB (20ºC ± 5ºC)
Resolution: 0.5dB
Carrier to Noise (C/N)
Option Range: 20dBuV ~ 50dBuV
Input signal range: ≥ 85dB
Measure accuracy: ± 2.5dB (20ºC ± 5ºC) shut off the carrier
Resolution: 0.5dB
Voltage
Input range: 1~100V (AC/DC)
Measured accuracy: ±2V
Resolution: 1V
Miscellaneous
Size: 160mm x 130mm x 65mm
Weight: 368g (including battery)
Working: -10ºC ~ 40ºC
Audio: Built-in speaker (Auto on in single frequency mode)
Battery
Built-in battery: 3.6V/2.1AH Ni-MH
Working time: More than 6 hours (Shut off the audio and LCD backlight)
Charging time: 10 ~ 12 hours (power off)
Gao Tek Inc.

Do you have drivers for LabVIEW?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"It’s the questions that drive us.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Level Meter Plug In -VS- Output 1/2 meter...Inconsistencies...

I'm mixing an 18 minute long recording for vinyl release. The vinyl pressing company has a minimum dbl on recordings they master and press. If the level is under, they charge hundreds of dollars more to re master and increase the volume via massive compression.
So to check and double check the overall volume in Logic Express 8, all I can find for a meter is the "Level Meter" in the visualization plug in toolbox. So I have the Level Meter "plugged" into the Output 1/2 track...The problem with the Level Meter is that it is showing levels around 8 dbl lower than the Output 1/2 meter. This could potentially be an expensive discrepancy not to mention may have a negative effect on the end product's sound quality.

Eriksimon wrote:
If you used a meter as an insert, it comes, like other effects plugins, before the fader. Sorry, I didn't read attentively the first time.
Still, the effect is the same as pre-fader metering. The signal passes the meter before it goes to the fader. If you turn pre-fader metering on you'll see that your faders don't affect the channel strip level meters anymore and behave like inserted level meters as well.
So if you lower the fader on channel 1&2 so you no longer see clipping, how does it work?
1. Does it lower the output simply telling you that you are not clipping going out from fader 1&2?
or
2. Does it lower the input from all contributing channels so that the source coming to fader 1&2 no longer clips?

Input Level Metering

I'm new to Soundtrack Pro, but have 10+ years of experience with Logic. I am attempting to record simultaneous audio on multiple tracks, each to a monaural file. My dilemma is that input levels do not display on the channel strip meters during recording (unlike Logic and most other DAW's) and am only able to see one meter at a time on the meter tab. Am I missing something?? How can I monitor recording levels all channels simultaneously? I can seemingly only have multiple meters displaying on the tab if I record to a multi-channel file on one track. UGH!

Hello. I think FCP isnt the right app for recording multiple tracks at once. I would propose a Sequencer like Logic or the new Sondtrack Pro pre.

JMF Challenge - Create audio volume level meter for rtp Audio Transmitter

Based on the following code at: http://java.sun.com/products/java-media/jmf/2.1.1/solutions/RTPConnector.html
The challenge is to build an Audio level meter, you know the lights that go up and down to your voice like on a stereo Hi-Fi system.
If we can start with ideas, give it time the challenge will be complete for all to use.

Heres the finished codec code, it just spits out System.out's with the peak level.
import javax.media.*;
import javax.media.protocol.*;
import javax.media.protocol.DataSource;
import javax.media.format.*;
import javax.media.control.TrackControl;
import javax.media.control.QualityControl;
import javax.media.control.SilenceSuppressionControl;//###### delete if no silence.
import javax.media.rtp.*;
import javax.media.rtp.rtcp.*;
import com.sun.media.rtp.*;
public class AudioLevelMeterCodec implements Effect {
    /** The effect name **/
    private static String EffectName="AudioLevelMeterCodec";
    /** chosen input Format **/
    protected AudioFormat inputFormat;
    /** chosen output Format **/
    protected AudioFormat outputFormat;
    /** supported input Formats **/
    protected Format[] supportedInputFormats=new Format[0];
    /** supported output Formats **/
    protected Format[] supportedOutputFormats=new Format[0];
    /** selected Gain **/
    protected float gain = 2.0F;
    /** initialize the formats **/
    public AudioLevelMeterCodec() {
        supportedInputFormats = new Format[] {
            new AudioFormat(
                    AudioFormat.LINEAR,
                    Format.NOT_SPECIFIED,
                    8,
                    Format.NOT_SPECIFIED,
                    AudioFormat.LITTLE_ENDIAN,
                    AudioFormat.SIGNED,
                    8,
                    Format.NOT_SPECIFIED,
                    Format.byteArray
        supportedOutputFormats = new Format[] {
            new AudioFormat(
                    AudioFormat.LINEAR,
                    Format.NOT_SPECIFIED,
                    8,
                    Format.NOT_SPECIFIED,
                    AudioFormat.LITTLE_ENDIAN,
                    AudioFormat.SIGNED,
                    8,
                    Format.NOT_SPECIFIED,
                    Format.byteArray
    /** get the resources needed by this effect **/
    public void open() throws ResourceUnavailableException {
    /** free the resources allocated by this codec **/
    public void close() {
    /** reset the codec **/
    public void reset() {
    /** no controls for this simple effect **/
    public Object[] getControls() {
        return (Object[]) new Control[0];
     * Return the control based on a control type for the effect.
    public Object getControl(String controlType) {
        try {
            Class cls = Class.forName(controlType);
            Object cs[] = getControls();
            for (int i = 0; i < cs.length; i++) {
                if (cls.isInstance(cs))
return cs[i];
return null;
} catch (Exception e) { // no such controlType or such control
return null;
/************** format methods *************/
/** set the input format **/
public Format setInputFormat(Format input) {
// the following code assumes valid Format
inputFormat = (AudioFormat)input;
return (Format)inputFormat;
/** set the output format **/
public Format setOutputFormat(Format output) {
// the following code assumes valid Format
outputFormat = (AudioFormat)output;
return (Format)outputFormat;
/** get the input format **/
protected Format getInputFormat() {
return inputFormat;
/** get the output format **/
protected Format getOutputFormat() {
return outputFormat;
/** supported input formats **/
public Format [] getSupportedInputFormats() {
return supportedInputFormats;
/** output Formats for the selected input format **/
public Format [] getSupportedOutputFormats(Format in) {
if (! (in instanceof AudioFormat) )
return new Format[0];
AudioFormat iaf=(AudioFormat) in;
if (!iaf.matches(supportedInputFormats[0]))
return new Format[0];
AudioFormat oaf= new AudioFormat(
AudioFormat.LINEAR,
iaf.getSampleRate(),
8,
iaf.getChannels(),
AudioFormat.LITTLE_ENDIAN,
AudioFormat.SIGNED,
8,
Format.NOT_SPECIFIED,
Format.byteArray
return new Format[] {oaf};
/** gain accessor method **/
public void setGain(float newGain){
gain=newGain;
/** return effect name **/
public String getName() {
return EffectName;
/** do the processing **/
public int process(Buffer inputBuffer, Buffer outputBuffer){
// == prolog
byte[] inData = (byte[])inputBuffer.getData();
int inLength = inputBuffer.getLength();
int inOffset = inputBuffer.getOffset();
byte[] outData = validateByteArraySize(outputBuffer, inLength);
int outOffset = outputBuffer.getOffset();
int samplesNumber = inLength / 2 ;
int valueMin = 255;
int valueMax = 0;
for (int i=0; i< samplesNumber;i++) {
int tempL = inData[inOffset ++];
int tempH = inData[inOffset ++];
int sample = tempH | (tempL & 255);
if (sample > valueMax) {
valueMax = sample;
if (sample < valueMin) {
valueMin = sample;
System.out.println((valueMax - valueMin) - 256);
System.arraycopy(inData,0,outData,0,inData.length);
// == epilog
updateOutput(outputBuffer,outputFormat, inData.length, 0);
return BUFFER_PROCESSED_OK;
* Utility: validate that the Buffer object's data size is at least
* newSize bytes.
* @return array with sufficient capacity
protected byte[] validateByteArraySize(Buffer buffer,int newSize) {
Object objectArray=buffer.getData();
byte[] typedArray;
if (objectArray instanceof byte[]) { // is correct type AND not null
typedArray=(byte[])objectArray;
if (typedArray.length >= newSize ) { // is sufficient capacity
return typedArray;
System.out.println(getClass().getName()+
" : allocating byte["+newSize+"] ");
typedArray = new byte[newSize];
buffer.setData(typedArray);
return typedArray;
/** utility: update the output buffer fields **/
protected void updateOutput(Buffer outputBuffer,
Format format,int length, int offset) {
outputBuffer.setFormat(format);
outputBuffer.setLength(length);
outputBuffer.setOffset(offset);

Real instruments - recording/input levels

...when i am recording real instruments, the input level and recording level are inaccessible.
i click on them with the mouse, but nothing happens.
are they preset? non-adjustable?
i can adjust the playback volume, of course, as well as other parameters like pan, monitor on/off, mute, solo, and add compression, echo, reverb and so on.
thanks in advance!
david henman
bolton
ontario

david henman wrote:
...when i am recording real instruments, the input level and recording level are inaccessible.
http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/GBFAQ.html#volumesliderdisabled
(Let the page FULLY load. The link to your answer is at the top of your screen)

BIAS SoundSaver Input Level Not Working after upgrade from Win 8 to 8.1

Have been using BIAS SoundSaver for INport software to digitize music LPs and cassette tapes to load on MP3 player. Worked fine with Windows 8. However, now that I have upgraded to Win 8.1, I can get sound of LPs and cassette tapes but the Input Level that controls the recording level on the software no longer functions. My computer is an HP ENVY Phoenix h9-1355 Desktop Computer with IDT High Definition Audio CODEC. I am wondering if the problem may be with the audio drivers installed on the computer.
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hi @Alkay
I see that you are having sound issues after your 8.1 upgrade. Did you update to the 8.1 versions of the drivers?
They may be found here: HP ENVY Phoenix h9-1355 Desktop PC Drivers
Is it only the one application seeing this problem?
Malygris1
I work on behalf of HP
Please click Accept as Solution if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Click Kudos Thumbs Up on the right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Setting Input Level with Griffin iMic

I'm trying to digitize an audio cassette with Soundtrack Pro. My setup includes a Griffin iMic that goes to a USB port. The trouble I'm having is in controlling the input volume. The level meters indicate clipping, but I'm not clear how to set the input level.
If it's in the Recording tab (>Input) with the Gain slider, mine is greyed out.

I'm trying to digitize an audio cassette with
Soundtrack Pro. My setup includes a Griffin iMic
that goes to a USB port. The trouble I'm having is
in controlling the input volume. The level meters
indicate clipping, but I'm not clear how to set the
input level.
If it's in the Recording tab (>Input) with the Gain
slider, mine is greyed out.
M Wohlgy,
(I know this is months after your post.)
Control of the iMic volume is in the Preferences pane called "Sound". You can set the output and the input levels there.
Remember the iMic's position switch works only for the imput, either close to the microphone icon for "microphone" or away from it for "line in".
I use the iMic exclusively.
David

Setting input level when recording

Is there a way to set the input level in Audition when recording? I can't seem to find it if it's there.
Here's the setup: Audition is installed on a new Dell Vostro (plenty of RAM and speed) with an M-Audio Delta 1010 LT card. The input is coming directly from a broadcast console at a radio station. Audition is used to record incoming phone calls along with the DJ's mic for playback later: DJ mic on left channel, incoming call on right channel.
Broadcast consoles are different beasts from recording consoles. The input channels of a broadcast console do not have variable/selectable pads or gain... so the audio signal is fairly hot.
The 1010 LT card has a "control panel mixer" but it seems to have no affect whatsoever on the input level. As a result, the signal clips when it's recorded into Audition.
So... is there a way to set the input level in Audition when recording?

If you are using a soundcard with input from pro console you need one that accepts pro levels I'm afraid! You will need to attenuate the input to the Delta 1010 by some external means like inline 10 - 14dB attenuators for instance.

Can you use applescript to access the volume setting "input level" in system preferences?

I want to make a script that adjusts the output volume of my mac based on the volume that the mic hears. I am not very good with applescript, but I do know how to control the volume. I was wondering if there was a command that retrieved the input level from the mic as it is show in the sound preferences in the system preferences window. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Does the following script do what you are asking for?
get volume settings
set theInput to input volume of result
set volume output volume theInput

Input level - meter?

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