Crackling and noise

[headclouds]

All of a sudden i have to lower the volume on all my files. The signal seems to be hot, so much so that i have to lower all tracks so it wont distort, all tracks including the midi tracks?? all of a sudden everything is too loud. i havent done anything and i do not use illegal software! all files new AND old. songs i have finished and mixed with all the levels perfectly how i want them...are suddenly too hot from one day to the next. i have even tried reformatting my compuetr and nothing helps. can it be my 002r? im using 6.9

Dell dimension 8300
win xp home
3.0 ghz
1 gb

[albee1952]

I would be checking your monitors and cables first. Also, if you run a master fader, check to see if it is moved(and if any master plugins have changed settings).

[headclouds]

its not the cables cuz i get the noise thru the headphones too. and the plugins..its the same ones ive used for the last 2 years. and that includes using them throughout updates and all. i think its the 002r or maybe the drivers. cuz i still havent installed all the plugins and im getting this problem. as long as i turn down all track levels (midi and audio) its ok. the outgoing signals are way too hot all of a sudden. input signals r normal tho.