Issues with recording on my Tascam DP03

[Roger Rettig]

If I mic the amp and use the mic input on the DP, there's too much noise (hum, Tele-buzz, etc).

If I simply run a jack into the 'guitar' input for 'A', I get almost no signal; if I turn up the 'Trim', I get distortion.

I had a brainwave today: run a cord from my Quilter TT12 ('sig out' to the guitar-input on the Tascam) and surely that would work.

It doesn't! Again, very low level and turning up the Trim brings back the distortion.

I can't seem to get a healthy level without an unacceptable amount of break-up.

What am I missing, please? How do you guys do it???

(PS: I also attempted my first 'export' yesterday: I discovered that I needed a certain cord - a mini USB-A/to mini USB 2.0 - to achieve this. I have ordered one.)

[Howard Parker]

I suspect that the "sig out" is line level, not guitar level. Have a line level input?

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[Roger Rettig]

Howard:

What do you mean, 'line level'?

I normally send the sig-out to a second am (my Roland 80) but that's just for the luxury (and the illusion!) of stereo.

Surely there's a significant output going to that amp? Why won't it translate to the input on the DP, I wonder?

[Norman Evans]

Do you have the input assigned to the track you are recording on?

[Roger Rettig]

Yes, Norman.

After much experimenting, I think the problem lies with a faulty headphone cord!!

I just substituted a lesser brand (I was using my Sony CH-somethings) that has the distinct advantage of a good connection.

It's still driving me crazy getting a steel tone that I like; it's too thin going 'direct'.

[Nicholas Cox]

Howard:

What do you mean, 'line level'?

I normally send the sig-out to a second am (my Roland 80) but that's just for the luxury (and the illusion!) of stereo.

Surely there's a significant output going to that amp? Why won't it translate to the input on the DP, I wonder?

Some mixers and interfaces have a button or switch to change from “line” level to “mic” level signal. Line level is a much stronger signal.