Does A USB Mic Need An Amp Or Mixer

[iQuestion]

I use an AT2020 to record vocals into the program Audacity. I get a lot of clipping in my recordings. I know one of the reasons is due to high frequency on the input, but is that it?

Is this because I need a Mixer or Amp?

 

[legionserial]

What average levels are you recording at?

 

[Jeff_D]

I use an AT2020 to record vocals into the program Audacity. I get a lot of clipping in my recordings. I know one of the reasons is due to high frequency on the input, but is that it?

Is this because I need a Mixer or Amp?

A better description of what gear you are using and how it is connected will help us help you.

 

[hueseph]

Now suppose you did need a preamp. How do you think you would get that usb mic to connect to it? Most preamps have xlr inputs so a usb mic won't help you. The whole purpose of a USB mic is so that you don't need an external preamp or interface. The preamp is built in and gain control should be based on software.

Is there an icon docked for the mic? I would check there first. If you can lower the gain on the mic via some sort of control panel on your computer that would probably help a lot. In your software you don't want to see the signal go red EVER. If the signal in your DAW ever hits zero db, it is clipping and that doesn't sound good. This has NOTHING to do with frequencies no matter how high. It has to do with amplitude.

Lastly and in no way least, back up from the mic. If it's clipping your too close and or too loud.

 

[iQuestion]

The USB mic connects to my laptop. I have a Dell Inspiron 1525. The program has an option where I can turn down the input. I'll just tweak it until it doesn't clip.

I thought it might be the sound card or something

 

[mjbphotos]

I use an AT2020 to record vocals into the program Audacity. I get a lot of clipping in my recordings. I know one of the reasons is due to high frequency on the input, but is that it?

Is this because I need a Mixer or Amp?

I assume you meant high volume. Yes, turn down the input level of the mic and don't scream into it or put it up to an amp speaker - it's not designed for it. If you're using the built-in sound card on your laptop, your sound quality will be double suffering - the USB mic and the built-in card.

 

[hueseph]

I .........don't scream into it or put it up to an amp speaker - it's not designed for it.

Actually, you can totally scream into it if you want but you have to watch your distance. Micing an amp is also ok as long as you manage your gain properly. A condenser can sound really good on an amp. Not sure about this particular one. It does help to have a -10dB pad and a proper preamp though.