I plug my rode ntg-2 into the computer and record using audacity and the recording is extremely low in volume.

Sounds like you have too much volume range in your recording. If it is what I think it is you could use an automatic volume limiter on the input of the AudiCity recorder.

The popular recording software known as Audacity is a good choice for getting all sorts of sounds saved in a digital format. The easy-to-use features of this program will help you to create complex musical compositions, or just record incoming audio streams. One of the basic things you can do with Audacity is to record sound from vinyl records. Many people still keep vinyls on hand, though the production of this medium has diminished. Here are the basic steps that will help you to use Audacity to record vinyl.

Steps

1. Get your phonograph or record player. Assemble your collection of records and make sure that your record player is in good functioning condition.
   


2. Use a cable to connect your record player to the computer with Audacity installed on it. In order to record from vinyl, you'll need to make sure you have accurately connected your record player as an incoming audio stream into the microphone jack of your computer.
   
   
   
   • Use hardware adapters to secure your cable connection. Many older record players utilize a 1/4-sized input jack. The modern laptop computer, as well as many desktop models, use a smaller, 1/8-sized input jack. You can buy simple adapters at your local electronics store to fix this problem.
   
   
   • Make sure that your cables and adapters support stereo.
   
   


3. Open the Audacity program on your computer. You will see the signature Audacity screen, with controls at the top, and an empty space to accommodate created tracks.
   


4. Start playing the record on your record player.
   


5. Hit the red circle that represents the "record" button in Audacity.


6. Observe the sound coming into Audacity. You should see the track being populated with sound, represented by a fluctuating line as the cursor moves along.


7. Hit "Stop" to stop the recording.
   


8. Stop the record player.
   


9. Repeat this process with the entire track. Reset the record player, start playing and hit the Audacity "Record" button again, allowing the entire track to populate with the sound of the vinyl record.
   


10. Save your project in your desired format. Audacity supports a number of file formats for the finished product. You can select one of these when you have recorded the entire track. Make every song its own track, or simply record the entire side of the record on one track.
    

Check your phone's setting if it's on maximum volume. Actually you can change your ringtone or edit it with an audio editor, increasing the natural volume. Some ringrones are recorded at a very low volume.
You can use AUDACITY for Windows audio editor on your computer

Audacity

Audacity Portable PortableApps com Portable software for USB portable and...

1. Did you select Left channel only in Audacity for the track you're recording?
2. Maybe it's a defective mic. Try it on another computer/software/USB cable/USB port and if it still doesn't work get Samson to replace it.

Assuming you've installed the Audacity software, first check your recording device. If you use Windows, first check the Audio Control Panel. For Windows 7, click Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound. Under Sound, click on the Manage Audio Devices link. In that window, click on the Recording tab. Select the USB option and make it the active device.

In Audacity, you may also need to make sure that this is the recording device that is active. That should be the third drop down from the left in the Device Toolbar. (If it isn't visible, click View > Toolbars and check it.) The Device Toolbar is right above the recording trace section in my version of Audacity.

Now click Record (the red circle) and start your turntable. Do you see a change in the trace? You should see a flat line for up to 10 seconds and then see this change to a set of high and low values.

If you don't get this, check if your USB ports are working. If you use a USB hub, try a direct connection. Check the device manager under Universal Serial Bus for a triangle with a red x or a yellow triangle. Try updating the driver by right clicking on the device. Also check Windows Update (for an optional update) or your computer manufacturer site for a new driver.

Unfortunately with the USB, you can't hear the recording as it is made. Do a short recording and then stop it. Then play back the selection. Adjust the input volume level lower if your trace is hitting the top of the box. This is clipping and your recording won't include the full signal from your record.

I've used Audacity for recording cassettes through the line in port. You can do this with some turntables if you add a pre-amplifier and use RCA to 3.5 mm adapter. Connect to the line in on the back of the desktop (blue).

If you could not install Audacity, go to http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ to get a version that works on your computer's OS.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

you need a recording interface (with phantom power if the mic requires that - most condensor mics need phantom power) to go from the mic to the interface, then to the computer. There are many USB recording interfaces - some easy plug and play interfaces include:

http://www.amazon.com/ART-Project-Series-Microphone-Preamp/dp/B000K6B59Y/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1334413603&sr=8-8

Then on your computer you need an application such as audacity (if windows), cubase, sonar, logic, pro tools, or any other audio recording app that will allow you to record and edit tracks. From there, you can install many different plugins or apps that can process the audio and add effects to the tracks like reverb, delay, distortion, etc.

There are simple free solutions for editing audio
Try using audacity
When you have it installed simply open your imported tracks, hit ctrl+A to select all the entire track, then pick Effect> Amplify. It will automatically choose a comfortable listening volume, if you still can't hear you may want to tinker with the audio a bit more.

Your computer sound controls govern input volume and the use of a microphone. If you have a mic, find the control and turn it OFF.

Sony IC RECORDER ICD BX-800 (!without USB connection!)
What you need:
- newests audio drivers in Windows 7 (updated audio-drivers)
- audio cable 3,5 M (male) both ends M-M (male-male)
- freeware application Audacity for Windows (with LAME)

Howto step by step:
- one end of audio cable connect to dictaphon's headset (earphones) jack in recorder Sony IC RECORDER ICD BX-800
- other end of audio cable connect to PC/notebook microphone (or LINE IN)
- nothing special setup (adjust) regarding Audio in Windows 7, the device for record Audio keep Microphone (default)
- in Audacity set very little volume "Input Volume Slider" and "Output Volume Slider" (for example both 0,1)
- in Audacity like Input Device set "Input (Audio device High Definition Audio)": !Don't set in Audacity like Input Device "Microphone"!
- Audio Host: MME
- Output Device set "Speakers (Audio device)"
- Input Channels set "2 (Stereo) Input"
- Sampling (Hz) set 44100

You'll want to connect it to any mic input using either an XLR cable, or an adaptor cable or transformer appropriate for your input, e.g., 1/4" or 3.5mm.