Total Newb--clipping Noise When Recording Question Options

[beaverweasil]

Hey there, I'm pretty new to all this. Here's my setup:

Mac G4, 466Mhz, 640Mb RAM.
Recording into Tracktion via a J-Station into a M-Audio FastTrack USB interface.

OK, my question: I'm getting what sounds like clipped distortion when recording guitar. It is a crackly sound that occurs during the loudest, bassiest parts, but according to my input meter in Tracktion, I'm not anywhere near close to clipping; in fact, the level seems a little low.

I would suspect my physical connection, i.e., cables, etc., except that it seems to occur only in the loudest passages during recording. Any ideas about fixing this would be appreciated.

[Vissequ]

Something along the line is clipping. And I know what it is!

It's your M-Audio Interface. Lower the input levels on that interface until it no longer clips.

That should do it.