[SOLVED] Bad Sound Quality, Audacity, playback , via browser

Question

Playback on the following page is fine:
https://soundcloud.com/playmerecords/ja … vy-jayne-2
Original File, downloaded via official channe :
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u9683vhoqqn2 … mix%29.mp3
My sample from Audacity
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u9683vhoqqn2 … 20-%20.mp3
Images of configs and programs:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3044885/issue1.png
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3044885/issue2.png
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3044885/issue3.png
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3044885/issue4.png
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3044885/issue5.png
System Info:
Linux ArchBoxMTD 3.10.7-1-ARCH
AlsaMixeer v1.0.27.2
Pulseaudio 4.0
Audacity 2.0.3 (official package from Arch)
But, when I record with Audacity, playback (before exporting), is shoddy.  I noticed my dB levels lower than normal when monitoring my audio/recording in Audacity.  Before I remember I had to even LOWER the default dB level of recording in pavucontrol/sound center.  I've done this many times on Arch, and I have had no new hardware.  I have tried changing the output/input device on the main screen in Audacity several times to no effect.  I never had to before.  Now, on Arch I have always had to set the inital dB recording level via sound prefs, not via Audacity as the "Input Volume" slider on Audacity was always grayed out, but never an issue before.
If you need additional information, please let me know. 
Thank you
_professor
Last edited by degmic71 (2013-08-22 15:58:09)

Answer 1

ooo wrote:
first of all, if your pulseaudio setup is working for you there's no reason to break it really..
historically, the reason for using sound servers like pulseaudio over alsa, is that some sound cards don't support hardware mixing with alsa, which means you coudn't play audio from eg. audacious and youtube at the same time. Nowadays alsa has software mixing support (via dmix plugin if I'm not mistaken) so Its not usually an issue any more.
I have very limited experience with pulseaudio, and can't be sure of the differences. Generally I believe alsa can do most of the stuff pulseaudio can, but if you've ever looked at configuring alsa, you might know it could be a real pita especially in more advanced setups. From my limited experience with pulseaudio, I think it could be easier to set up on some cases and often just works out of the box. I could also have some audio over network capabilities that alsa might lack, but that again is just my assumption.
also I'm pretty sure pulseaudio is required for some desktop environments like gnome.
just use whatever method works for you
I remember having that EXACT issue back in ~04-06.  That was the most annoying thing, and the reason why I started to use pulse back then.  Oh I know the pitfalls of alsa, which is why I understand pulse co-existing on Arch's cinnamon package setup.  Cool, well thanks for the advice!