Recording---apologies for pure stupidity!

[speakerabbit]

Firstly, apologies if this kind of thing has been asked before. I'm recording hypnosis/meditation CD's. I 'm using Audacity and Cool Edit Pro. The problem I have is when I record the vocals the words that beging with p's and d's seem to be alot louder and distorted than the rest. I have changed mic positions etc but basically I have no idea what I'm doing. The rest of the recording sounds OK apart from a slight crackle which I'd love to be clearer. Any advice how I can eliminate both these problems using the software I have, or tips for the mic (which is a basic one I must admit). It's driving me up the wall as I'm sick of re-recording time after time. Sorry for my total and utter lack of knowledge in this area. I'm sure there's someone wise out there who can help me and put answer in a way even I might understand!

Thanks in advance

Manda

[Richard Monroe]

First- What mic and what preamp are you using? Second, do you have a pop filter (one of those discs you see in front of studio mics)?- Richie

[Jeff_D]

What mic are you using? Where is the mic placed? what preamp are you using? Is there anyting else in the chain?
Answer those and I'm sure you'll get some help.

[Kevin Deschwazi]

First off make sure your gain isn't too high, sounds like you might be recording too close to 0db so on the louder parts you're clipping the converters in your soundcard a wee bit. Try turning down the input gain and giving yourself a bit of headroom.

A pop screen should also reduce the plosive sounds. A bit of mic technique might also help, back off the mic a bit or talk to the side of the mic for those parts that are causing problems.

Not sure about the crackling, have you tried a different cable? Otherwise it could be an issue with the mic or the soundcard if they're both cheapies. What card are you using?

There are tools around for reducing crackling and unwanted noise but those are usually used for restoring old recordings. If you're recording into digital it's better to try and stop those noises happening in the first place.

Ditto for the plosive issue. Try what i suggested already and you shouldn't need to deal with it with software.

Hope this helps

[speakerabbit]

Thanks everyone for your advice. It appears reading it all that I need to go shopping!! My mic doesn't even have a manufacturers label....says it all!

I've got my pop filter on order and now have to find an affordable mic. I have been recommended the Shure PG48 (as it is vocals only) or the CAD GXL 2400. Still have to decide. If anyone can recommend or suggest similar that would be great. I will be recording directly into the computer and as I said it is spoken word only, with music mixed over.

Thank again to everyone replying to this thread.

Amanda

[Richard Monroe]

Hello Amanda! Part of your problem has become clear to me. You say you are recording direct into the computer, *but you can't*! Have you noticed that people keep asking you what microphone preamplifier ("preamp") you are using? That's because you *have* to have one for any critical recording. Your soundcard has a "mic" input, which is matched to the useless no-name computer mic you already have. As you have discovered, the quality of recording that can be made with a $2 mic into a soundcard is really bad. You will need a real mic, a microphone preamp, and a cable to connect the line out of the preamp to the line in on your soundcard.
For your somewhat limited purposes, top of the line equipment will not be necessary, but basic reliable equipment will be. First, the mic- Whoever told you to get a PG48, don't take any more advice from that person. He is either clueless, or he does not respect you, or what you do. I suggest you give him a post-hypnotic suggestion to bark like a dog everytime he recommends that mic.
I suggest Shure SM58, the mic that that PG48 is a cheap copy of. Or, alternatively, I like Sennheiser e835, about $80. SM57 is very similar to SM58, and either will do, You can find them for $50 or so used on ebay. or $80 new.
The preamp- for your purposes, a big-time recording preamp is not necessary. I recommend M-Audio Audiobuddy, $80 new or less on ebay. It'll do everything you need it to do.
What kind of cable you need depends on what kind of inputs your soundcard has. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Good luck-Richie

[StAbZ]

does the pop shield cost more than the mic?! you should have just made one from tights nd a coat-hanger for starter.... buy an SM57, beta if you can afford it. good for most stuff

[Riverdog]

StAbz is right, this should help initially...

BUT! - You should really think about just popping the buxx for a "real" pop filter if you have other people come to read for you!

When I first started recording with people in my studio, they became VERY uncomfortable recording initially... After quizzing them about this 'puzzling' behaviour I found that one honest soul finally told me that she was nervous becuase she couldn't get her mind off "MY POP FILTER"... When I asked why she said that everytime we went to record, I'd put that "nylon" from my WIFE'S LEG in front of her and she just couldn't concentrate...!
(It was of course a new nylon)...
But, THEY didn't know the difference...

Just a "kindly" reminder...!

[staccato]

I love the way this always snowballs. ALWAYS!! Everyone has become so dependent on name- brand high dollar equipment that they suggest throwing money at every problem.

Seriously, an SM58? Take it easy boys...
A $30- $40 mic will probably be good enough to hypnotize someone.
You don't need an expensive mic and $20.00 Pop filter to record a spoken word recording. Whats next a firewire DAW studio?

I love that story about the nylon because that is true! Some people will be turned off by unproffesional looking equipment.

I'm not saying that he doesn't need better equipment. I'm just saying that we need to consider the question. Just because its better doesn't mean its really practical.

[Riverdog]

I think you're right Staccato...

I think that spending 100.00 bucks for a SM58 and a little Behringer 5 channel or whatever mixer with an eighth inch mic plug to go into the sound card would be much better than one of those plastic computer mics direct into the soundcard...

Especially if they want to burn a CD and distribute it to their clients...
Ya Know??? OR...

Manda perhaps simply moving the mic to one side of your mouth will help to reduce the "plosives" (When a "P" pops the mic)...

It's up to you though...
I think we all want you to have a good recording at minimal cost...

[TimOBrien]

Hey speakerabbit....

Do youself a favor and drop a $20 on a good basic recording book....
The knowledge you get will seriously help you through the beginning stages.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/se...rding%20studio

[fraserhutch]

Originally Posted by staccato

I love the way this always snowballs. ALWAYS!! Everyone has become so dependent on name- brand high dollar equipment that they suggest throwing money at every problem.

Seriously, an SM58? Take it easy boys...

huh??? Take it easy? We're talking about a $100 mic here..... something that is known to sound at least decent on just about ever application.....

A $30- $40 mic will probably be good enough to hypnotize someone.

BS. Most mics at that range will sound like exactly what you paid for them - bubbkas.

You don't need an expensive mic and $20.00 Pop filter to record a spoken
word recording. Whats next a firewire DAW studio?

Again, the SM58 is NOT an expensive mic.

[Richard Monroe]

Staccato, first of all, I doubt Amanda is a "he". Secondly, I don't know if you know anything about recording, but I doubt you know very much about hypnotism. Hypnosis involves a complex dance of rhythm and tone, and she is already complaining that the cheap gear she is using isn't producing the sound she wants. I suggested a used SM57 (about $50), an Audiobuddy, and a cable. Wow. I agree a pop filter would be a good idea. I like the Stedman 101 steel pop filters, they work and last. Yep, if you want to do it on the cheap, you stretch some pantyhose over a 5" embroidery hoop, get a coathanger and some duct tape, and you're good to go. I hate to break it to you, but I've cut the budget to the bare bone. So what the hell are you talking about?-Richie