M-Audio Delta 44 instruction

Select the “Monitor Mixer” tab of the Delta Control Panel. The default Master Volume fader settings are 0dB and un-muted, and all other faders are set to full attenuation (-144dB) and muted. We will need to adjust these to our preference. The screen capture below shows the settings that we wish to achieve.

8.In the Mixer Input column labeled “WavOut 1/2,” click on each fader handle and drag it up to the 0dB setting. Also, deactivate (uncheck) each WavOut 1/2 mute box to unmute the channels. This will allow us, once we’ve recorded into a music software program, to hear those software outputs upon playback.

9.Locate the pair of meters labeled “H/W In 1/2.” Strum the guitar, and you should see an indication in the left meter of the pair, which represents signal levels from the Delta analog input 1. Test the mic, and you should see an indication in the right meter, which represents signal levels from Delta hardware input 2.

10.Adjust the gain on the pre-amp so that you’re seeing a good level on the input meters, about –6dB to –3dB in the loudest parts (this is playing it a safe because you don’t want to hit 0dB and clip). Make similar adjustments for the microphone, using the right fader. These are the levels at which the signals will be recorded.

11.Now let’s set the levels at which you will monitor the mic and guitar while recording. These are not to be confused with the levels that are recorded by the software — these levels are merely monitor levels that appear in the mixer outputs (in this case at Delta 44 analog outs 1 & 2). Click on the left fader handle of H/W In 1/2, and drag it about halfway up. Strum the guitar. If it’s not loud enough, bring it up all of the way. If it is still not loud enough, you will have to raise the listening level of your sound system. Make similar adjustments for the microphone, using the right fader.

12.Now fine-tune your monitor levels. Sing and play guitar, adjusting your listening levels using the H/W In 1/2 faders so that you have a comfortable blend of guitar and mic levels.