Belkin TuneStudio User Manual

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TUNESTUDIO

™

User Manual

Guide d’Utilisation

Manual del Usuario

ENGLISH

WELCOME 1

Key Features 1

TUNESTUDIO BASICS 2

What You Can Do with Your TuneStudio 2
What You Can Connect to Your TuneStudio 2

WHAT’S IN THE BOX? 3

Cables You May Need 3

iPod, WINDOWS, AND Mac COMPATIBILITY 4

iPod 4
Windows 4
Macintosh 4

SETTING UP YOUR TUNESTUDIO 5
To set up your TuneStudio 5
TUNESTUDIO TOUR 6

TuneStudio Inputs and Outputs 7

SETTING THE RECORDING LEVEL 10
RECORDING WITH MICROPHONES 11

Types of Microphones 11
Recording with Multiple Microphones 11

RECORDING A PODCAST 12

Tips for Recording a Podcast 13

RECORDING LIVE MUSIC 14

Tips for Recording Acoustic Instruments 15
Tips for Recording Electrical Instruments 15

RECORDING A CHOIR 16

Tips for Recording a Choir 16

RECORDING TO OR FROM A COMPUTER 17

Tips for Recording to or From a Computer 18

EQUALIZING (EQ) TIPS 19
MIXING TIPS 20
LISTENING TO A RECORDING 21

Copying a Recording to Your Computer 21

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROTECTING YOUR HEARING 22
TROUBLESHOOTING 23

If the Recording Menu button doesn’t work 23
If your TuneStudio won’t turn on 23
If you don’t hear anything in the studio monitors or headphones 23
If the microphone volume is too low 23
If an instrument’s volume is too low 23
If the sound is distorted 24
If you hear a “hum” sound in the recording 24
If your recordings are only in the left channel 24
If your computer doesn’t see your TuneStudio 24

TUNESTUDIO SPECIFICATIONS 25
LEARNING MORE 27
GLOSSARY 28

Balance 28
Boost 28
Clipping 28
Cut 28
dB (decibel) 28
Distortion 28
Feedback 28
Gain 28
Monitor 28
Pan (“panorama”) 28
RCA (“Radio Corporation of America”) 28
TRS (“Tip-Ring-Sleeve”) 28
USB (“Universal Serial Bus”) 28
XLR 28

INFORMATION 29
NOTES 32

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME

1

Thank you for purchasing a TuneStudio iPod recording studio.

We designed TuneStudio for a wide range of users, from novice podcasters to experienced musicians.
It’s compact, portable, and sturdy enough to stand up to life in a rehearsal room. Its shape gives you easy
access to the controls and simplifies cable management. The iPod docking cradle keeps your iPod secured
in a position that allows convenient and comfortable access to the screen and click wheel.

Your TuneStudio will help you make the most of the high-quality recording capabilities of the iPod. You can
connect four instruments or audio sources. Each audio input channel includes equalization (EQ), pan, and level
controls. Input channels 1 and 2 can also provide a gain control and optional phantom power for microphones.
The USB port is bidirectional, and therefore, can be used as a fifth recording source, should you need the
additional input.

We are pleased that you chose to purchase a TuneStudio, and we have designed it to give you many years of
high-quality recording and mixing.

Have fun!

Key Features

•

Record directly to your iPod in 16-bit, 44kHz digital audio quality

• Record to and from your PC or Mac computer using USB 1.1 or higher

• Instantly play back your recordings directly from your iPod

• Charge your iPod while recording

• 4-channel mixing console

• 3-band EQ, pan/balance and level controls to perfectly mix and enhance each channel

• 2 microphone inputs with optional phantom power and up to 60 dB of gain

• High-quality stereo compressor with gain control to keep the audio levels within the recording limits

of the iPod and avoid clipping

TUNESTUDIO BASICS

2

Your TuneStudio combines multiple audio sources (“channels”) into one stereo signal. You can use the following
controls to enhance each channel’s sound before it is mixed with the other channels:

• Level control to set the volume

• Pan (or “balance” for stereo channels) control to move the sound to the left or right

• Low, mid, and high EQs (“equalizers”) to fine-tune the sound

Your TuneStudio also includes a compressor that can be used to enhance your recordings and keep the volume
levels within the recording limits of the iPod.

What You Can Do with Your TuneStudio

• Record to or from an iPod

• Record to or from a computer

• Record from up to 5 audio sources

• Listen to your mix while recording, with studio monitors or headphones

• Play back your recordings from your iPod immediately after recording

What You Can Connect to Your TuneStudio

You can connect almost any instrument, microphone, or other audio device to your TuneStudio.
Your TuneStudio has inputs for four different types of cables: XLR, 1/4" TRS, RCA, and USB. With the right
cables or audio connector adapters, you should be able to connect almost any audio source, including:

• CD players

• Computers

• Drum machines

• Guitars and bass guitars

• Microphones

• Synthesizers and keyboards

3

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

The following items should be in your TuneStudio box:

• TuneStudio

• CD with recording software

• 1/8" (3.5mm) to 1/4" (6.35mm) headphone cable adapter

• AC power supply and power cable

• Adapter inserts for iPod

• Warranty card

• This user guide

Cables You May Need

You will need the following cables to connect microphones (“mics”), instruments, and other devices to
your TuneStudio:

Device Cable Type Example

Electronic audio sources

(such as CD players)

RCA stereo

Instruments TRS 1⁄4"

Computers USB

Microphones and
high-end professional
audio equipment

XLR

4

iPod, WINDOWS, AND Mac COMPATIBILITY

iPod

iPod classic
80GB 160GB

iPod nano
3rd generation (video)
4GB 8GB

iPod
5th generation (video)
30GB 60GB 80GB

iPod nano
2nd generation (aluminum)
2GB 4GB 8GB

Windows

Pentium

®

II 350MHz (Pentium III 500MHz or faster recommended)
64MB RAM (128MB recommended)
Windows

®

XP or Windows Vista™
CD drive
USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 port (USB 2.0 recommended)

Macintosh

G3, G4, iMac, iBook, or PowerBook with native USB support
64MB RAM (128MB recommended)
CD drive
Mac OS X version 10.2.8 “Jaguar” or later

5

SETTING UP YOUR TUNESTUDIO

It only takes a few minutes to set up your TuneStudio and start recording.

To set up your TuneStudio:

1 Verify all devices are turned off and all level controls are set to -∞ (completely to the left).

2 Connect the input sources.

3 Insert your iPod into your TuneStudio’s iPod dock.

4 Connect the PC, studio monitors, and/or headphones.

5 Plug TuneStudio and other devices into AC power.

6 Turn everything on in the following order:

 • Inputsources

• TuneStudio (turning on your TuneStudio will turn on your iPod)

• Studio monitors, headphones, and/or computer

7 When turning off, always turn off devices in the following order:

• Studio monitors, headphones, and/or computer

• TuneStudio

• Input sources

8 Go to www.belkin.com/registration to register your TuneStudio.

6

TUNESTUDIO TOUR

Take a few minutes to learn how to use the inputs and controls on your TuneStudio.

1/4" TRS

RCA

INPUTS

MONITOR

OUT

USB

AUDIO

XLR MIC

INPUTS

GAIN

HIGH

MED

LOW

PAN

PEAK

INDICATORS

LEVEL

BALANCE

HEADPHONES

PL AYBACK

HEADPHONES

iPod PLAYBACK

USB LEVEL INPUT

COMPRESSOR

AUDIO MIX IN RATIO

MASTER LEVEL

MONITOR
PLAYBACK LEVEL

RECORDING
MENU BUTTON

LEFT & RIGHT
RECORDING LEDs

2

3 4 5

1

8

7

9

11

21

10

15

6

12

13

20

14

16

18

19

17

7

TUNESTUDIO TOUR

You can use the inputs and outputs to connect instruments, mics, computers, speakers, and headphones
to your TuneStudio.

Input/Output Description

1

XLR Mic Inputs

Inputs 1 and 2 provide XLR cable microphone inputs with optional
phantom power for condenser mics. A condenser mic usually requires
phantom power unless it has its own power source, such as a battery.
Dynamic and ribbon mics don’t usually require phantom power.

Note: The phantom power button turns on phantom power for inputs
1 and 2. Always connect your microphones before turning on phantom
power. Microphones are very sensitive, and a sudden power surge can
damage a microphone. It’s also a good idea to set the level control to

-∞ before you turn on phantom power.

2

1/4" TRS Inputs

Inputs 1–3 provide 1/4" TRS inputs for connecting guitars, bass
guitars, synthesizers, drum machines, and other instruments.

Channel 3 provides two TRS inputs. If you’re connecting a mono
input to Channel 3, connect it to the “Left/Mono” input.

3

RCA Inputs

Input 4’s RCA inputs can be used to connect electronic equipment
such as a CD player or another iPod.

4

Monitor Out

The monitor out connection can be used to connect studio monitor
speakers. Studio monitors should have built-in amplifiers or be
connected to an amplifier.

You can control the studio monitors’ volume with the monitor
playback control.

5

USB Audio

The USB connection can be used to connect your TuneStudio to
a computer.

You can control the computer’s volume with the USB input control.

6

Headphones

The headphones connection can be used to connect headphones.
You can use the 1/8" (3.5mm) to 1/4" (7mm) headphone adapter to
connect different types of headphones.

You can control the headphone’s volume with the headphones
playback control.

8

TUNESTUDIO TOUR

You can use your TuneStudio’s controls to fine-tune and monitor your recordings.

Control Description

7

Gain

(Channels 1 and 2)

The gain control determines how much of the source signal is sent to
the rest of the mix. If the gain is too high, the sound will be distorted. If
the gain is too low, background hiss may be more noticeable.

You can add up to 60 dB of gain to the XLR inputs and 40 dB of gain
to the 1/4" TRS inputs.

8

High, Mid, Low EQs

(Channels 1-4)

The high, mid, and low equalizers (“EQs”) can be used to increase
(“boost”) or decrease (“cut”) the volume by up to 12 dB. The EQ
settings can have a dramatic effect, so use them carefully.

High EQ (12kHz)

The high EQ can be increased to add crispness to cymbals, vocals,
and string instruments or decreased to reduce microphone hiss.

Mid EQ (2.5kHz)

The mid EQ can be increased to make guitars, bass guitars, and
pianos stronger or decreased to soften vocals.

Low EQ (80Hz)

The low EQ can be increased to add warmth to vocals or horns or
extra punch to synthesizers, guitars, and drums. Decreasing the low
EQ can reduce hum and add clarity to bass instruments.

See “Equalizing (EQ) Tips” on page 19 for more information.

9

Pan

(Channels 1 and 2)

The pan control can be used to move a mono input to the left or right
in the stereo spectrum.

10

Balance

(Channels 3 and 4)

The balance control can be used to control which part of a stereo
input signal (left or right) is louder than the other. If a mono source is
connected to input 3, then the balance control works like the pan control.

11

Level

(Channels 1–4)

The level control specifies how much of the source signal is sent to
the mix. In the leftmost position, the volume is muted. In the rightmost
position, the volume is increased by 15 dB.

12

iPod Playback

The iPod playback control sets the volume when listening to your iPod.
In the leftmost position, the volume is muted. In the rightmost position,
the volume is increased by 15 dB.

13

USB Input Level

The USB level control specifies how much of the signal is sent to the
mix. In the leftmost position, the signal is not sent to the mix. In the
rightmost position, the signal is increased by 15 dB.

9

TUNESTUDIO TOUR

Control Description

14

Compressor

The compressor can be used to enhance your recordings and keep
the volume levels within the recording limits of the iPod. With the
compressor, you can make softer sounds louder without making louder
sounds too loud. It is especially useful when recording vocals and
instruments together.

The three LEDs to the right of the compressor button indicate how
many decibels (dBs) of compression are being applied.

15

Headphones

Playback

The headphones playback control can be used to set the volume for
the headphones.

Note: The headphones input is on the side of your TuneStudio under
the headphones playback control.

16

Audio In Mix Ratio

The audio in mix ratio specifies how signals from input sources 1–4
and the USB input are mixed together. For example, turning the control
to the left will increase the volume of input 1–4 sources and decrease
the volume of the USB source. Turning the control completely to the
left or right will mute the other source.

17

Monitor Playback Level

The monitor playback control can be used to set the volume of the
studio monitor speakers.

18

Master Level

The master level control sets the recording volume level to the iPod. In
the leftmost position, the volume is muted. In the rightmost position,
the volume is increased by 15 dB.

19

Recording Menu Button

The Recording Menu button can be used to open the Recording menu
on the iPod 5th generation (video) and iPod nano 2nd generation only.
Note that this button does not work with the iPod classic or iPod nano
3rd generation (video). Note: Please see page 23 for more details.

20

Left and Right

Recording LEDs

The recording LED lights tell you if the volume is too low or too high.
You can adjust the volume using each input’s level control or the full
mix using the master level control.

21

Peak Indicators

Each input channel has a peak indicator near its level control. The
peak indicator lights up when the audio signal level is too high and
may be causing distortion. If a peak indicator lights up, you should
adjust your settings until the peak indicator stays off. These are the
most likely solutions:

•For inputs 1 and 2, try turning down the gain control or moving your

microphone further away from the source.

•If you have any of the EQ controls turned up high, turn them

down a little.

•Turn down the volume of the audio source.

10

SETTING THE RECORDING LEVEL

Setting the recording level will help you create clear, distortion-free recordings.

You should set the recording level for each channel that you’re using.

To set the recording level:

1 If you’re using input 1 or 2, set the “Gain” control completely to the left.

2 Set the “Low”, “Mid”, and “High” EQ controls to 0.

3 Set the “Pan” control to 0.

4 Set the “Level” control to -∞.

5 Connect the microphone or instrument cable to the channel’s input.

6 Set the “iPod Playback” control to 0.

7 Set the “Master Level” control to 0.

8 Play the instrument or electronic device at a normal level and slowly increase the channel’s gain until

the left and right recording level LEDs are continuously red (0 dB).

9 Slowly reduce the channel’s gain until the red 0 dB LEDs no longer light up when you play the
instrument or device.

10 Adjust the low, mid, and/or high EQs, then check the red 0 dB LEDs to verify they don’t light up.

11 If any of the red recording level LEDs lights up while you’re recording, your recording could be distorted.

Keep an eye on the LEDs and adjust your levels as necessary.

12 If it’s difficult to control the level of your audio source, especially if you’re working with microphones or
multiple audio sources, experiment with the compressor to keep the levels in check. The compressor
looks for sudden increases in volume and reduces the audio levels very quickly to keep the signals
from exceeding the recording level limits.

11

RECORDING WITH MICROPHONES

Read on to learn how to select and place a mic when recording.

Using a well-placed microphone will drastically improve your sound quality. You should experiment with
microphone placement to find the best location.

Types of Microphones

There are two types of microphones: condenser and dynamic.

Condenser Microphones

Condenser (or “capacitor”) microphones are usually used for live recordings. Unless they have their own
power supply, such as a battery, condenser mics use the phantom power from your TuneStudio to power their
amplifiers and impedance converters. There are many types of condenser mics, including headworn, lavalier,
probe, shotgun, and side-address.

Condenser mics are very sensitive, so they work well with distant or soft sources. They are often used to record
acoustic instruments and vocals.

Dynamic Microphones

Dynamic (or “moving-coil”) microphones are usually less expensive and less sensitive than condenser
microphones. Because they don’t have amplifiers, dynamic mics don’t need phantom power. Phantom power
should not harm a dynamic mic, but you should turn off phantom power before connecting a dynamic mic.

Older dynamic mics have low sensitivities and require a high gain setting. Ribbon mics (a type of dynamic
microphone) normally have very low sensitivity and usually require a very high gain setting. They are often
used to record guitars and drums.

Recording with Multiple Microphones

Your TuneStudio can record up to four sources at a time, and input channels 1 and 2 can provide phantom
power for two mics. If you are recording with multiple mics, you should follow the 3:1 rule.

3:1 Microphone Placement Rule

When you record with multiple mics, sounds arrive at each mic at different times. Sounds farther from the mic
will have a slight delay. When you combine the close and distant sounds, some frequencies will cancel each
other out. The result is a “hollow” or filtered sound.

To avoid this problem, the distance between your mics should be three times the distance between the mics and
their source. For example, if your mics are one foot from the source, they should be placed at least three feet apart.

12

RECORDING A PODCAST

The diagram below shows a typical 2-mic setup for recording a podcast. You can connect an iPod or a
computer to include background music.

13

RECORDING A PODCAST

Tips for Recording a Podcast

You will become much more comfortable and adept at recording podcasts after you have done it a few times.
Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Test the recording level before recording. The left and right recording level LEDs should not be constantly

red (0 dB). If the 0 dB LED is constantly lit, the “peaks” of the recording may be clipped and the sound quality
will usually be poor.

• Use a well-placed, high-quality mic. Lavalier mics often work well for podcasts because they’re small and

can be clipped to your clothing.

• If you are not using a lavalier mic, be careful not to move too close to or far away from the mic.

• Position your mic about six inches from your mouth (or at an angle) so that it doesn’t capture your breathing.

Remember, you can connect headphones to your TuneStudio to test different mic positions and distances.

• Speak in your normal voice at a conversational level. Don’t be too self-conscious about your voice—most

people don’t like the sound of their voice when they first hear it in a recording. Just be sure to speak clearly.

• If you are recording an interview with one mic, try using a “figure eight” type mic and have your interviewee

sit directly across from you. A figure eight mic is two sided, so it can capture sounds directly in front and
directly behind.

• Use the level controls to fade-in the beginning of your podcast and fade-out the end.

• Include background music during the podcast, with several seconds of music at the beginning and end

of your podcast. Make sure you have permission to use the music.

14

RECORDING LIVE MUSIC

The diagram below shows a typical setup for recording live music. You can connect different instruments as
needed. For example, you can connect a drum machine instead of a second mic.

15

RECORDING LIVE MUSIC

Tips for Recording Acoustic Instruments

Acoustic instruments can be difficult to record. Here are a few tips to improve your acoustic guitar recordings:

• Record in a highly acoustic room, such as a room with a wooden or tile floor.

• Use a condenser microphone (“mic”). It can capture softer instruments better than a dynamic mic.

• Try positioning the mic about 24 inches from the instrument.

• Use multiple mics, and experiment with different angles and placements. For example, position two mics

at 90-degree angles and use the pan controls to move one mic to the left side of the mix and the other mic
to the right. This approach can create a very engaging stereo effect.

• For acoustic guitars, try placing one mic 1–6 inches from the sound hole. You will probably need to reduce

the low EQ control with this approach.

Tips for Recording Electrical Instruments

• Guitar – For a live sound, try recording with two mics. Point one mic directly into the guitar’s monitor
speaker and the other mic about five or six feet from the speaker.

• Bass Guitar – If possible, connect the bass guitar to a direct injection (“DI”) box and connect the DI box
to your TuneStudio. A DI box will eliminate hum in your recordings.

• Keyboards – Record directly to your TuneStudio for clarity and with a mic (set to lower volume) for a
live sound.

16

RECORDING A CHOIR

The diagram below shows a typical setup for recording a choir. You can connect an iPod or CD player to include
background music.

Tips for Recording a Choir

• Use a condenser mic for recording vocalists. They usually work better than dynamic mics for vocals.

• Use multiple mics. If possible, place them above the choir and aimed down.

• Try positioning two mics in the middle and aim them toward the vocalists in the back corners.

Place the mics least three times the distance from each other as from the vocalists.

• Try using an omnidirectional mic. It will capture both the choir and the sound resonating in the room.

17

RECORDING TO OR FROM A COMPUTER

The diagram below shows a typical setup for recording to a computer.

18

RECORDING TO OR FROM A COMPUTER

Tips for Recording to or from a Computer

You’ll need to select your TuneStudio as your input and output audio device to record audio to or from a Mac
computer or Windows PC.

To record to or from a Mac computer:

1 Connect your TuneStudio to your Mac computer’s USB port.

2 Select “System Preferences” from the Apple menu.

3 Select the “Sound” preference pane.

4 Click the “Output” tab.

5 Select “USB Audio Codec” as your default input and output device.

To record to or from a Windows PC:

1 Connect your TuneStudio to your Windows USB port.

2 Select “Settings > Control Panel” from the Start menu.

3 Double-click “Sounds and Audio Devices”.

4 Click the “Audio” tab.

5 Select your TuneStudio as the default “Sound playback” and “Sound recording” device.

6 For best audio quality, select the “Volume” tab and set the “Device volume” to “High.”

19

EQUALIZING (EQ) TIPS

The following EQ tips will help you create high-quality recordings.

The high, mid, and low EQs can be used to increase or decrease the volume of your source inputs by up to 12
dB at the following levels:

Low:

80Hz

Mid:

2.5kHz

High:

12kHz

The following table provides tips for recording different instruments and vocals. These tips are recommended
starting points—you should experiment to find the best settings for your instrument and environment. If you
need to make large adjustments, try to adjust your microphones rather than the EQ settings.

Note: “Boost” means to increase the setting, and “cut” means to decrease the setting.

Source Low (80Hz) Mid (2.5kHz) High (12kHz)

Conversations Slight cut

Vocals Slight cut

Cymbals Cut Slight boost

Snare drums Slight cut Slight cut Slight boost

Kick/bass drums Slight boost Slight cut

Toms Cut

Bass guitars Cut Boost

Guitars Cut

Pianos and keyboards Cut

20

MIXING TIPS

The following tips will help you produce the best mix possible.

• Listen to commercial recordings through your TuneStudio using a studio monitor or headphones to develop

a sound reference.

• Don’t pan kick drums or bass instruments to the left or right. These “high energy” sounds should be shared

equally between the speakers for best results.

• Don’t vary the level of drums or bass guitars. These instruments provide a foundation for other instruments.

• If you record multiple inputs, make your final EQ adjustments to the full mix. A single input will often sound

different when heard by itself.

• Avoid making large EQ adjustments. Your recording will sound more natural if you adjust the mics rather

than the EQ settings.

• Experiment with the compressor setting. Set the compressor below 30 percent for subtle compression and

to smooth out some of the audio peaks. Try a higher compression setting to achieve higher “loudness” or
for an interesting audio effect.

• Keep the studio monitor or headphone volume low or, at most, at a normal listening level. A high volume

can cause hearing damage, and you should always mix at the level you think the recording will be played.
If needed, you can check the mix at a higher volume for short periods.

• Check your mix on headphones and studio monitors. “Studio” headphones that completely isolate your ears

can help you find small distortions and clicks that you may not hear through speakers. Studio monitors can
help you fine-tune bass sounds.

• Listen to your finished mix the day after you’ve finished it. Your perception is likely to change after resting

your ears overnight. Also, check the master recording on different sound systems to ensure it sounds OK.

21

LISTENING TO A RECORDING

Your recordings are saved as voice memos on your iPod. Each recording is an uncompressed WAV file, and the
file name is the recording’s date and time.

To listen to a recording:

• Select “Extras > Voice Memos” on the iPod.

• Select the recording and press “Play”.

Recordings that have been imported into iTunes (see below) can be found in the Voice Memos playlist on your
iPod. Select “Music > Playlists > Voice Memos”.

Copying a Recording to Your Computer

If your iPod is set to automatically update (or “sync”) songs and playlists, your recordings will be copied to your
computer when you connect your iPod. If iTunes is not set to sync songs and playlists with your iPod, iTunes will
ask you if you’d like to copy your new voice memos when you connect your iPod to your computer.

Keep in mind that your recent recordings will be moved from your Voice Memos menu on your iPod to the
Voice Memos playlist once you’ve imported them into iTunes. To open the Voice Memos playlist, select
“Music > Playlists > Voice Memos”.

If you prefer the drag-and-drop approach, which may be more useful if you plan to work with your recordings
using other audio software, you must first choose to “Manually manage music and videos” for your iPod within
iTunes. This will also automatically “Enable disk use” for your iPod, which is what you want. Then, select “No”
when iTunes asks if you’d like it to import your recent voice memos each time you dock your iPod. Instead, you
can manage your recordings through Windows Explorer (PC) or Finder (Mac). Your recordings are regular WAV
files, so you can treat them as you would any other WAV file.

On a Windows PC, your iPod will appear in the list of drives when you click “My Computer” on your desktop.
On a Mac, your iPod should appear in the Finder or on your desktop. Your recordings will be in the “Recordings”
folder. Each recording’s file name includes the date and time of the recording.

22

As with any sound recording or listening device, you should be careful to protect your hearing when using
your TuneStudio.

Following these sound-level recommendations can minimize your risk of hearing damage.
Remember, the longer you listen, the lower the volume should be.

Hours per day Max sound level (dB) Sample sound

8 90

4 95 Typical portable stereo at half volume

2 100

1 105 Typical portable stereo at maximum volume

0.5 110 Rock concert

<0.25 115

This information is based on guidelines provided by the United States Occupational Safety & Health Administration
(OSHA) and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

PROTECTING YOUR HEARING

23

TROUBLESHOOTING

Most problems with your TuneStudio can be solved quickly by following the advice in this chapter.

If you continue to have trouble, contact Belkin Customer Service at 800-223-5546 ext. 2263 or on the
web at http://www.belkin.com/support.

If the Recording Menu button doesn’t work:

• This button works with iPod 5th generation (video) and iPod nano 2nd generation. It does not work with

the iPod classic or iPod nano 3rd generation (video).

• If you are using the iPod classic or iPod nano 3rd generation (video), simply navigate to the “Voice Memo”

menu on the iPod itself.

If your TuneStudio won’t turn on:

• Make sure you’re using the supplied 12V 1.25A power adapter.

• Try using another power outlet.

If you don’t hear anything in the studio monitors or headphones:

• Make sure your TuneStudio is plugged in and turned on.

• Make sure the cables are securely connected.

• Verify your source is playing.

• Turn up the level control(s).

If these suggestions don’t help, you might have a bad cable. Check all of your cables and try replacing them
with known good ones.

If the microphone volume is too low:

• Make sure the cables are securely connected.

• If you are using a condenser mic, try turning on phantom power.

• If the microphone is connected to channel 1 or 2, turn up the gain control.

If an instrument’s volume is too low:

• Make sure the cables are securely connected.

• Turn up the instrument’s volume. If the volume is still too low, check the instrument by connecting your

headphones to the instrument.

• Adjust the channel’s level control.

24

If the sound is distorted:
If the left or right +6 dB recording level LED lights up:

• Turn down the volume on your instrument.

• Turn down the channel’s level control.

• Turndownthemasterrecordinglevelcontrol.

If you hear a “hum” sound in the recording:

• If you’re using a condenser microphone, try turning on phantom power and increase the level control.

• If you’re recording an instrument, turn up the instrument’s volume control.

• Try connecting your instrument, TuneStudio, and computer to a grounded power strip.

If your recordings are only in the left channel:

• Make sure your iPod is configured to record in “High Quality” mode. On your iPod, select

“Extras > Voice Memos” and set Quality to “High”. Your TuneStudio will not work correctly with Quality
set to “Low”.

• Check your cable connections.

• Make sure that your pan and balance controls are not set all the way to the left.

If your computer doesn’t see your TuneStudio:

• Make sure the USB cable is securely connected.

• Unplug the USB cable and turn off your TuneStudio. Then, turn your TuneStudio on and reconnect the

USB cable. If this doesn’t work, leave your TuneStudio on and restart your computer.

• Make sure the TuneStudio is selected as an audio output device. See page 18.

TROUBLESHOOTING