M-audio Audiophile Usb - No Input Gain Control, What Am I Doing Wrong? Options

[Peter B.]

Hi:

I recently bought an M-Audio Audiophile USB for use with an Apple PowerBook G4 running OS 10.4.3. The hope and intent was that with an improved interface, I could improve the overall quality of recordings from vinyl.

I'm using the most recent driver available (1.6.1) and the Audiophile is recognized by the system and works (nominally) as advertised. It is properly selected as the input device in both the System 'Sound' Preference Pane and the Audio Midi Setup utility. It is also selected as the device (in AMS) to adjust properties for.

However, there appears to be no control over input gain in the Sound Pref Pane, Audio Midi Setup or in any of the several software recording programs I've tried, ranging all the way to Peak LE 5.

With no input gain available, I don't seem to be able to capture the full dynamic range of the material recorded. I'm using analog inputs direct to the M-Audio from line out on a stereo receiver.

Direct line-in (to the PowerBook) recordings actually sound fuller and more detailed than those made with the Audiophile.

Have I overlooked a setup detail? Or is there some remedy I might try? I've written to M-Audio but haven't heard back as yet.

Any help or advice would be welcome.

Thanks Very Much.

Peter B.

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