Issues with recording distortion

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chicsheik

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Hi!
I have been having trouble with too much distortion when I record my voice. I am a classically trained opera singer, and in my spare time I like to write (and record!) indie pop songs that use my operatic talents as primary and back up vocals. Whenever I sing anything high and loud (that is my specialty), the recorded sound is severely distorted to the point of being unusable. I use a Blue Yeti Mic that plugs into my computer via USB, and has four settings (omni, bi, cardioid, and stereo). I record directly into Audacity editing software.

Please, I have tried every setting, turing the input all the way down both on my mic and on my computer, and standing at various distances away from the mic. The only thing that works is standing across the room facing away from the mic, and that (not unexpectedly) sounds markedly different from the softer vocals sung on the staff. What can i do? Thank you!
 
I use a Blue Yeti Mic that plugs into my computer via USB, and has four settings (omni, bi, cardioid, and stereo). I record directly into Audacity editing software.

Get a better mic, that plugs into a preamp/converter interface, and then that to your computer.
 
Plus, mic technique.

Ultra strong singers have to back way off the mic.
 
I strongly suspect that you are causing the internal amplifier/impedance converter in the mic to clip. Since this comes before all the digital conversion and control, you are royally stuffed.

Even if you go for an AI and conventional microphone you might still have problems with budget interfaces and capacitor mics.
Two solutions..
1) A dynamic mic but then for good quality you would need the quite expensive Shure SM7b or its EV equiv'.

2) A side address capacitor but one with a 20dB pad. (Rode NT-2. Sontronics STC-2....and others.)

It is when you are working at the limits of dynamic range, very quiet or very loud that you need "pro" gear at PRO prices!

Dave.
 
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