Boss BR-532 Question

[DJK62]

I've been recording with this for quite some time but my recordings never come out that great. I know it's not an expensive digital recorder but I expect better recording quality. I bought a condenser mic hoping the vocals would come out better and they are actually worse. Would an external microphone pre-amp help? If so what do you suggest? Sorry, I'm not very knowledgable when it comes to digital recordings, but any feedback with tips to make my recordings better would be appreciated.

 

[Armistice]

A digital recorder is a digital recorder is a digital recorder. There should be nothing wrong with the Boss device, the problem is most likely that you don't know how to record very well yet. It does take some time and skill.

Perhaps if you could narrow your enquiry a little, post a sample, and tell us exactly what it is that's bugging you, we can help you fix that. And then the next thing. And then the next thing. And on it goes..

Eventually you get there. It takes most people years.

 

[DJK62]

No Other Equipment

So I should be able to get a pretty good quality recording with what I have? A specific microphone wouldn't make any difference or an external mic pre-amp?

 

[Armistice]

What are you recording?

What (actual or virtual) instruments, apart from vocals, are you recording? How?

What microphone are you using?

Describe the room you're recording in - how big is it? What are the walls made of?

How are you monitoring what you're recording?

The Boss preamps will be fine for now. Generally the first answer to any query is NOT to buy more stuff. More stuff doesn't necessarily improve things off the bat, although we all like buying more stuff. What you need to do to start with is control the variables you have and work out how to improve your recording, rather than introduce another variable such as a new preamp or microphone.

Once you've ruled out everything else, then you go gear shopping.

You'll hear the same thing over and over again if you ask around - "I bought a new Fandangled Gromulater preamp and my recordings still suck".... yes, that's because you don't know how to position your microphone and you're recording in a small square echoey room and you're monitoring via headphones, perhaps. Work with what you have for now is my advice.

I recorded 3 entire albums on standalone machines - bigger than yours, but still, they're largely the same thing. It can be done. Many here will tell you the same thing.

 

[DJK62]

I record guitar (acoustic with mic and electric plugged into the digital recorder), vocal, trumpet, and some keyboard. I did notice the vocals improved when I switched rooms, just not good enough. Also, the electric plugged into the digital doesn't seem quite high enough. Sounds like from what you've stated it just takes working with it and some trial and error. I'll try some various things with the mic over the weekend and see if I can find some improvement. One last thing. I had a cheap mic and bought a cheap condenser mic (a little more expensive than what I had) and it sounds worse. I've seen some stuff about phantom power. Do you know if I can use a condenser mic with my digital?

Thanks for your advice. I appreciate the tips.

 

[Lt. Bob]

So I should be able to get a pretty good quality recording with what I have? A specific microphone wouldn't make any difference or an external mic pre-amp?

yes they would make a difference but I don't think you're at a point yet where you can make a good choice as to what to buy so learn to use what you have first.
As Armistice said .... we'll need to hear what you're doing and what you don't like about it to be more specific.

 

[grimtraveller]

So I should be able to get a pretty good quality recording with what I have? A specific microphone wouldn't make any difference or an external mic pre-amp?

Everything makes a difference but not in the way you're perhaps thinking. As Armistice and the Lt have said, it's important that you learn to use what you have first. Once you can make an acceptable recording with what you have, you are in a position do start delving deeper.
It's a bit like woodworking with manual tools. Once you can do the necessaries with them, even though it takes a while to learn how, you're then in a position to be able to use electric tools well. Certain people will call me to put together furniture or fix little things. They could actually do it themselves if they'd take the time out to learn how. I wasn't born with the knowledge. It's needed a few shelves, curtains and book cases falling down to learn how to get them to stay up permanently. In recording, I don't make the mistakes I used to. Experience is one of those things few would dispense with when they have it, but is easy to resent when you don't.
So, keep at it. Experiment with different mike placements and positions and recording levels. Try different spaces. Read lots. Ask more questions.