Weird recording issue

[jenderfazz]

Oddly enough, when I record into my computer (directly or through a DI, using a 1/4"-1/8" adapter) into the line-in port, sound only comes out of the left channel. This problem plagued me for a while, but when I record I just make sure the audio track is "mono" and my recordings are fine.

Just noticed, however, that if I pull the cable out a very slight bit (right before it falls out of the line-in hole), I get sound out of both left and right channels! And when I push it all the way back in, I get only the left channel making sound. What the heck? My buddy's M-Audio soundcard does the same, so it's probably not due to my crappy home card. What gives?

 

[JMX]

The hot part of the plug touches both "pins" for left and right channels. This kind of gives you a dual mono signal.

 

[jenderfazz]

Ahh, thanks, that's good to know. My question now is, how do I keep the plug from falling out of this newfound position?

 

[roflol]

get a new computer

 

[hunta]

get a real recording interface

 

[Jeffrey A-Bomb]

Oddly enough, when I record into my computer (directly or through a DI, using a 1/4"-1/8" adapter) into the line-in port, sound only comes out of the left channel. This problem plagued me for a while, but when I record I just make sure the audio track is "mono" and my recordings are fine.

Just noticed, however, that if I pull the cable out a very slight bit (right before it falls out of the line-in hole), I get sound out of both left and right channels! And when I push it all the way back in, I get only the left channel making sound. What the heck? My buddy's M-Audio soundcard does the same, so it's probably not due to my crappy home card. What gives?

You need a stereo adapter plug. They market both mono and stereo versions of the 1/4"-1/8" adapter, so make sure you have the right one.

 

[pbass2]

get a real recording interface

There are perfectly functional USB and Firewire interfaces that are SO cheap these days it's crazy. Even the bottom of the line will be a huge leap forward in sound quality from recording through the computer's audio input.