[speedyb3]

Hi, I am new to recording and have a problem that I can't seem to figure out. Before I get started I have a Shure sm57 microphone which plugs into a m-audio mobilepre USB preamp that plugs into my laptop which uses audacity to record. I am using a 40 watt fender mustang 2 guitar amp. When I record it sounds good but the volume is really low, so I turn up the volume in the program it distorts the sound thus making it sound like crap. If I turn the amp up or the gain on the preamp up it gets louder but has the same effect...it gets distorted and sounds like crap. If I keep the volume low and crank the speakers on my computer it gets louder and does not get distorted. I have tried adjusting every setting in audacity, I have adjusted the gain on the preamp as well as the volume on my amp. I have also changed settings with the driver settings for the preamp (which has helped a little but not enough). Does anybody have any idea how I can raise the volume without the audio clipping (distorting)?

 

[guitarsense]

Try adding a little compression, this will help boost the signal from your mic.