Question

When I record using my AudioBox96 USB, and StudioOne Artist, my vocal tracks are always too quiet compared to the instrumental tracks.  Even if I go into Mix and raise the vocal levels to the highest possible, they're still too quiet compared to the instruments.

Should I be using a mic preamp, and plug the preamp into the AudioBox?  The mics I'm using are Sennheiser e609 and Shure M57.  Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

It's most likely because the tracks are already mastered. Turn them down, get things balanced, then turn everything up at the Main Output with a Limiter.

Answer 2

Thank you for responding.  Since I'm a complete beginner, I don't know what "mastered" means or what a "limiter" is.  But I have solved my problem.  When I record, I turn the volume knob on the AudioBox input to the 3 o'clock position.  This makes the mic volume equal to the instrument volume.  I had been recording the vocals with the input volume set to about 11 to 12 o'clock.  At 3 o'clock, the mic volume is great.  I appreciate your response to my question.