Newbie having audio problems

[sc4mts]

I wanted to set up a simple multitrack recorder for audio to play around with, and MTS looks great. I cannot get any of my random usb audio in devices I have laying around to work. (These are not good devices, just consumer junk, but I thought they would at least work)

Via USB, I tried both an old startech interface that provides a line in, as well as a no name usb to 1/4 TRS that is detected as a microphone. Before launching mts, both of these devices will work fine: I open "sound" options in old windows control panel, go to the recording tab, set the audio in device as default, set the levels, and windows is happy -- I speak into microphone, the little windows audio levels meter perks up just fine -- everything working!

Next, I start mts pro. In devices, type is "windows", I select my usb audio in device, it is in the list. Audio out is set to headphones which is fine. With the tutorial I try to record my first audio track and get silence. No audio comes in. As soon as mts gets involved the audio devices stop working. I've tried exclusive vs shared, doesn't matter. As soon as I close mts, I can go back into windows sound settings and everything is fine again.

Something obvious I'm doing wrong? Same experience with two different usb input devices, on Windows 11

[Support]

Perhaps the privacy settings are preventing apps from using the microphone. 'Microphone' means any audio input in this case.

Please go to Settings (from Windows), and then to Privacy & security --> Microphone.


Giel Bremmers

[sc4mts]

Sorry I think my problems are more of not understanding audio tech. I set my input device to my $19 usb headset mic, and mts records it perfectly.

When it comes to the "real" mic I was trying to use: it is a Rode NT1 plugged into a Tascam TA-1VP. Phantom power is on, and the level indicators on the Tascam show good levels just touching the yellow now and then. I am trying to connect the Tascam to PC using a usb "line in" device. The output from the Tascam is 1/4 TRS described as "Line Out - Main" ...so I assumed that this is standard line-out levels (impedance whatever, now I'm out of my depth I'm not a technician.)

If I turn up gain too much on Tascam, and turn up master record level at top of mts, and record, I *can* hear a quiet tinny version of myself, just barely. So I have some kind of levels mismatch, but I don't know why. I'm connecting what Tascam describes as a "line out" to a "line in" on a usb device, which I thought would be electrically compatible, but some kind of line levels do not match. When I use a bone-head mic on a gaming headset, all is good.

Just wanted to record some guitar! (sigh.) Thanks everyone for putting up with the new guy.

[Support]

Does a recording level fader appear when you engage the track's Rec button? If yes, perhaps you should move it up? See https://www.multitrackstudio.com/recording.php (bottom of page).

The Antares has a balanced output. If your audio to USB thingy would add the two stereo channels to turn them into mono, the result would be (near) silence.


Giel Bremmers

[sc4mts]

Yes I turned it up, and got exactly what you describe: near total silence, but a tiny bit of voice coming through.

So, general question for the community: in this situation, what USB device would be a good interface between Tascam and PC? Anyone have cost effective favorites in 2026? Thanks again