Setting BeOS Media Preferences
In your BeOS system's Preferences menu is an option called "Media Preferences." Depending on the sound card you are using, Media Preferences will give you varying amounts of control over input and output volume, muting and unmuting of channels, etc.
Under Media Preferences, click on the options on the left to get into the categories where you need to make changes. You can click on "Audio Settings" on the left, to change hardware selections for input and output. Note that while Audio Settings is selected, you'll see an option on the right that lets you select "Real-Time Audio." Put an X-mark there if there isn't one there already, and before exiting from the preferences, click "Restart Media Services" to preserve that setting.
Also the left you'll see an "In" section for choosing an input source (such as line-in or mic) and setting its audio level, an "Out" option for setting your output level, and a Mixer for choosing which items are to be muted, and how high or low the master audio level should be set. Here are some thoughts on setting up Media Preferences to optimize things for radio broadcasting.
Below are various hints on Media Preferences settings.
OPTIMIZING FADER CONTROL
Under BeOS Media Preferences, if you set your master output volume too high, you may discover that your fades are not as smooth as when you keep the master output a bit lower. As in an analogue audio setup, the more "swing" you give the sub faders, the more smooth and gradual the fades will be. If you notice fades seem too abrupt, try lowering the master output volume.
DUBBING WHILE BROADCASTING
Assuming you have a full-duplex audio card, which we highly recommend, you can be dubbing audio into the TuneTracker system even while broadcasting audio out through the line-out of the sound card. Simply go into Media Preferences, select the sub option for your sound card's output, and mute the channel indicating "input," to prevent your incoming audio from making its way out "over the air."
With that accomplished, you can then fire up SoundRecorder, a free tool in the BeOS Apps folder, and do dubs your dubs and voice-overs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You cannot listen back to what you have dubbed or recorded without it being broadcast, but providing you have established acceptable input levels and are careful not to exceed about 50% modulation in SoundRecorder's VU display, you should get nice dubs and voice-overs.
SIMULTANEOUSLY DOING AUDIO PRODUCTION
If you are NOT broadcasting through the line-out of your sound card, but instead, are using the TuneTracker™ System to broadcast your signal to the Internet or an intranet, you can simultaneously do audio production; recording and playback. Just go into BeOS Media Preferences and mute the SoundPlay output channel so you're not confused by hearing the broadcast signal while doing dubs, voice-overs, and production. Doing so does not interfere with your encoded signal being sent to the Internet. That frees you up to work on promos, commercials, voice-overs, and other things. And yes, BeOS can handle the load!
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