[westy]

hello all
I recently had a bulge made to order at 44.5db gain. The sound is awesome and I am using it for vinyl transfer to my harddrive. My soundcard (ADC) Has only -10db and + 4db line levels. -10db being consumer level and correct setting for vinyl. unfortunately the bulge is clipping at these levels as shown here


my turntable has an Integral Dual Magnet™ stereo cartridge, meaning it cant be updated. it also features a built in switchable preamp which ive turned off and the Output Level is : Pre-amp "Off": 2.5 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm

so can ya'll suggest what I can do to make this not clip, I would be very grateful for some help
Thank you

[Theo]

I had the same problem running a 6.5mV MM cartridge through a 44dB Cornet, and there isn't input level adjustment in my sound card.  I use a DIY passive preamp.  I'd to add a record out volume dial using an audio grade pot to adjust the output to my sound card.

[westy]

hey thanks for stopping in Theo, please excuse my lack of understanding but unfortunately I wouldn't be able to make such a thing as I am a total novice, and had the bugle pre-made to what seemed like good specifications at the time.
ive read on here that you could solder in sockets so swapping out resistors can be done on the fly to adjust gain. How easy would this be? I could probably get a friend to solder in the sockets but then adjusting the gain would it be just a matter of simply replacing resistors into particular sockets (without soldering) to adjust gain?
I reckon if I reduced it back to a standard 40db it might not clip, but then again I am unsure, would there be a huge difference between 45 and 40db? AND can the bulge be decreased below 40? its nearly constantly clipping so it must be well over my soundcards capacity
many thanks

[Theo]

I did exactly what you're proposing to my Bugle that I've been using previously.  I soldered in resistor mounting slots for swapping 4 resistors in the gain circuit (R3, R5, R21, R23).  To set gain back to factory 40dB, swap in 1.30k resistors.  If you need even less gain, use resistors of a bit higher resistance.  If you're more conversant with electronics, you can even install a gain selector or a pot.  Good luck!