Audio inputs/outputs - What am I doing wrong?

[YHB]

I just got a Saffire 6 USB pre-amp and I'm trying to record microphone vocals. I have the microphone cord in line 1 of the pre-amp. In Audio Preferences in Ableton, my line in is Saffire 6 USB and my line out is Speakers. Actually under both input and output, it lists the Saffire 6 twice and the Speakers twice, so I guess there are 4 options.

Problem is when I enable record on an audio track I start to get this kind of low helicopter chopping sound. There's no fan in the room so it can't be that. When I try to record vocals and play it back, I get the low chopping with spikes on the waveform where I was talking.

Also, the mic seems to be recording just to the left even though I have the input set to stereo. What do I need to change there?

I'm obviously doing something totally wrong, but I don't have any idea what it is.

Can you help a n00b out?

[trevox]

What kind of mic are you using? Have you tried recording audio from an instrument or other source yet (i.e. not a mic)?

[simmerdown]

open the i/o section of that audio track...monitoring set to 'in'? sounds like monitor fb

choose input channel there too

[YHB]

open the i/o section of that audio track...monitoring set to 'in'? sounds like monitor fb

choose input channel there too

simmerdown, I have it set to Auto. When I set it to In, I get the feedback with out even enabling record.

[YHB]

What kind of mic are you using? Have you tried recording audio from an instrument or other source yet (i.e. not a mic)?

Trevox, I'm using a Shure SM58. When I try with an instrument I have the same problem.

[simmerdown]

in the sound settings of the comp itself...the levels for your mic in...are they crazy loud? for me, normal rec is at 10%ish..mic boost should def be off...

[trevox]

What kind of mic are you using? Have you tried recording audio from an instrument or other source yet (i.e. not a mic)?

Trevox, I'm using a Shure SM58. When I try with an instrument I have the same problem.

OK, shouldn't need phantom power then - thought that may be the issue.

As Simmerdown said, sounds like a monitor f/b issue. Turn your monitors down/off and use headphones when recording!! Then adjust your levels.

[YHB]

ARrrrr Just tried with headphones and I'm getting the feedback still. I also adjusted the level for the Saffire in on the comp settings to 10.

How should I set the settings on the actual track where it has "Ext In" and "1/2" etc.?

[simmerdown]

not 10, 10%.(low)...10 out of 100...1 out of 10

yeh ext.in

monitor 'in'

the 1/2 means stereo...1 or 2 in mono, centered

generally speaking, turn down...bring vol up till you can hear w/o the feedback...

[YHB]

not 10, 10%.(low)...10 out of 100...1 out of 10

yeh ext.in

monitor 'in'

the 1/2 means stereo...1 or 2 in mono, centered

generally speaking, turn down...bring vol up till you can hear w/o the feedback...

So I just installed the latest driver from the Focusrite site and re-booted hoping that would help. I'm at 10 of 100 input level. Now I only get feedback if I set the input to "Focusrite Wave" rather than "Focusrite DX". (I have no idea what the difference is). When I record, I now don't hear feedback but Ableton's not processing any signal, just get flat lines.

The Focusrite is picking up the signal from the mic fine. Anyway, I appreciate your help. Thanks.

[simmerdown]

yer on the right track imo...now bring that vol up till it starts to register,could be very well your system needs mor ethan that low vol setting...