Can't eliminate hiss in recordings

[justinmc]

I have an H4N Zoom recorder that I occasionally use as a mic preamp and audio interface to record to my Macbook. I use a Shure SM7B mic, mainly to do voice overs and I work in my closet, which I've treated with soundproofing foam.

Trouble is, there's a hiss that I think is in the H4N that I fear might be because I'm doing something wrong, or have something set wrong. I can hear it through my headphones whether I have an external mic plugged in or not -- though adding a mic makes it ever so slightly worse (and the right XLR input is worse than the left).

I can eliminate it for the most part if I set the record level to a maximum of 70 on the H4N (though 50 is better), however, that results in a recording with levels so low they're difficult to amplify in post. I'm hoping that maybe I'm doing something wrong, and that it's not just noise in the equipment that I'll have to deal with.

 

[lifelyrics]

I thought I had read a post of someone who owns that exact unit, and, what do you know? I found his post! You might want to open a dialogue with Richie, since he's been using his for some time, and has a lot of experience.

Below is an excerpt from the thread, "What is the cheapest way..."

Richard Monroe
Been Here, Posted That

Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Framingham, Mass. (near Boston)
Age: 55
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The DP004 is a pretty good machine, but pisses me off by not having a backlight, which makes it really hard to use in clubs, where I do a fair amount of remote recording. The KORG is obsolete- one because it uses Smart Media cards, which max out at 128mb. That results in 90 track-minutes in high resolution, which is 16bit/44.1kHz. That's 45 minutes in stereo. Secondly, it only has one built in mic, so you need an external mic to record in stereo. I finally settled on Zoom H4n to replace mine after 5 years, which does most of what I want to do, but it is basically a $350 machine. Its predecessor, H4, is a $200 machine, and looks good on paper, but has critical design flaws that prevent me from recommending it to anyone. I think it is a headache in a box. The H4n corrected every one of those design flaws. Thanks for that, Zoom.

 

[mshilarious]

The input noise level of the H4N is much too high for a low-output dynamic mic like the SM7B. This is not really what these portable recorders are designed to be used with. You should use a low-noise external preamp or use a condenser microphone with the H4N.

 

[Emerson Maningo]

I have an H4N Zoom recorder that I occasionally use as a mic preamp and audio interface to record to my Macbook. I use a Shure SM7B mic, mainly to do voice overs and I work in my closet, which I've treated with soundproofing foam.

Trouble is, there's a hiss that I think is in the H4N that I fear might be because I'm doing something wrong, or have something set wrong. I can hear it through my headphones whether I have an external mic plugged in or not -- though adding a mic makes it ever so slightly worse (and the right XLR input is worse than the left).

I can eliminate it for the most part if I set the record level to a maximum of 70 on the H4N (though 50 is better), however, that results in a recording with levels so low they're difficult to amplify in post. I'm hoping that maybe I'm doing something wrong, and that it's not just noise in the equipment that I'll have to deal with.

If you can export your wav file to an digital audio software, things might be easy for you. For example, I record in my home with some hiss caused by equipments so I open it up on the software and select those hiss, it can be easily remove without drastically affecting sound quality.

I use Adobe audition to record, mix and master, in adobe audition.. there is a hiss removal feature which can executed in this manner:
1. Opening the wav file in edit view.
2. Select those hissy parts in the wave.
3. Go to Effects --> Noise reduction --> Hiss reduction
4. select the standard presets and should remove it.

Do not forget to backup your original audio work before proceeding with any sound editing.

 

[Gonzofan]

Same thing here. Just noticed it this morning when I was recording some Kindergartners. Don't recall having this problem before with this mike (Azden Sgm-1x) before today. Won't be a problem eliminating noise (I recorded a lot of ambient) with Adobe Audition. That program has some pretty remarkable noise reduction capability.

I also increased the recording level to about 90 since the kids don't talk very loud. But noticed the noise at lower levels as well.

I guess I'll just have to get a better mike. We use MacBook Airs and they no longer have "line-in" like before, so I'm going to have to move to USB mikes.

 

[mixsit]

Just be sure to distinguish between possible electrical/recording noise and the ambient background noise issues. -Two completely different types of sources of noise(s) and solutions.