Basic recording issues/techniques?

  • Thread starter Thread starter kmano8
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kmano8

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I finally got an interface for my mac (firebox), and I've been experimenting with how to get the best audio with what I've got. What are some fundamentals I should stick to? I keep reading that I shouldn't record each track to loud, as to keep the final mix from clipping.. is this correct? Also, how do you guys reduce noise? I feel like I'm getting a ton of noise for the gear I have.

My setup is:

Guitar or Vox --> AT Perception 220 --> Firebox --> Garageband

I also have an ART Tube MP Studio preamp that I've tried to put between the mic and the firebox.
 
I've never used ART products so I can't be certain, but in my past experience almost every noise issue I had was related to the Pre I was using. When I first started messing around with recording I was using the computer mic on a Soundblaster card, terrible built-in preamp and LOTS of noise. Later I switched soundcards to the audiophile 2496 and I was using a Fender Passport mixer for my pre. Better than the SB but still too noisy. Now I use the built-in Pre from an M-Audio Omnistudio running into the Audiophile card and the only noise I get is the noise I put into the mic.

That being said, sometimes your PC generates noise that you filter out while your right next to it, but notice once it is recorded.
 
Do you have any power cables laying directly next to audio cable? What about your transformers, you moved them as far away from everything else as possible right?

If the cables must cross you want them to cross perpendicular to avoid hums.
Are you running everything on the same outlet?
Have you tried a different outlet?
 
The Perception 220 is a unidirectional mic. (receives sound from one side) When I first started with large diaphragm condensers like the 220 I wasn’t placing them properly because I thought the mic i was using (MXL 2001) was omnidirectional. (recieves sound from all sides) I don’t want to sound like an ass, but make sure the front of the mic is pointed at the sound source. After that move well away from your computer, turn off any florescent lights, and see if that helps.
 
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