help with lexicon omega

srh · #1 01-03-2008, 08:27 PM

Ok, so my friend let me borrow his lexicon omega because he doesnt use it. Im using a macbook and garageband. Im not exactly sure how to use it and the manual wasnt so helpfull. I have a 9v power supply plugged in on the back... im just recording my bass through it. I also have the usb plugged in. On the front there is an instrument plug in, so I plugged my bass into that. Fooled around with the audio settings and had to change my audio drivers in garageband for the input to Lexicon Omega USB and I put the output to Lexicon Omega USB as well since I plugged my headphones into the front as well. There was an option in the audio drivers for Lexicon Omega 1-2 only and 3-4 only as well, but I just put it on the Lexicon omega usb. Now in garageband everything seemed to be working ok, I could hear myself play back, set it for usb assign 1-2. But there is an AWFUL distorion. So I was messing with the knobs and found that the intrument input volume is controlled through the Line 3 knob, turned to maybe 2 and was the same distorted sound just super low... so im turning to talkbass for help... sorry if I confused you... maybe if someone has one of these they can just take me step by step on what to plug in and press etc to record just bass in garageband..

hunta · #2 01-04-2008, 11:03 AM

If you're recording with an active bass, you're probably overloading what the inputs can handle even at a low volume. Set the meter on the front to monitor your bass input, and see if you're clipping it. If you are, you will need to run your bass through a DI box, a mixer, direct out from your bass head, or mic your bass amp. You need to do something to tame the hot signal your bass is putting out.

If you aren't clipping the input on the lexicon, check the mixer in garageband (I don't have a mac so I don't know how exactly) and make sure you aren't clipping in the software either. I use Cubase, and when I record my signal flow is, Bass -> EHX BMS -> Tech21 Bass DLA -> Demeter Compulator -> Eden WT-300 (set flat) -> Direct out to my interface. Note that I'm using a compressor before my amp (which is being used just as a preamp in this case). You should be able to get a good signal without one, but putting a compressor in there (especially a good one) can make a big difference with your sound.

Note that you need to make sure that EVERY stage is not clipping. If you're using pedals, make sure they aren't clipping either. I use a Fender MIA Deluxe Fretless Jazz, and I have to be careful not to overload my BMS or my compulator (both have internal gain knobs). The internal gain on my compulator is set to minimum and I can still clip it if I crank the mids on my Jazz and play hard (which I normally do). I also set the gain on my preamp so it doesn't clip. Then set the gain on the interface so it doesn't clip. Then set the levels in your sequencer (garageband in your case) so that doesn't clip. Then set the levels on the output in garageband so it doesn't clip....

Your sound is only as good as the weakest link in your signal chain. One bad cable or dirty pot or clipping pedal or poorly set plugin can ruin your sound.

srh · #3 01-04-2008, 01:24 PM

thanks for the info.

Yeah i was using my passive jazz bass just plugging directly into the instrument port in the front.

ill try to figure something out...hopefully