Crackling noise when recording live instrument

[mikep00]

Hi all,
I'm trying to record live congas but at every impact, it makes a cracking sound each time. Not sure if it's the mic or cord thats doing this. A friend mentioned that it could be my buffer size, but really dont know what is causing it. Any thoughts? Here is what I'm working with:

Ableton 8.1
Presonus firebox
Nady DM70 mic
OS Mac 10.4

- mike

 

[kcearl]

Buffer size is the first thing to try, if you arent clipping into the red of course...


You can find it in Abletons preferences where there will be a link to your hardware, or change it in fireboxes control panel...does it use mixcontrol?

If it does you need to be on Live 8.3 and mixcontrol 1.1...always update your software when possible

 

[Bunny Lapin]

do you get the same crackling when your record something else with the same setup (ie talk into the mic)?

 

[bouldersoundguy]

I don't think a too small buffer would cause problem with audio transients so it's probably a gain issue. Is the mic level boost option deselected in your control panel?

 

[Adam Tocholke]

yea since the crackle happens at impact i would say gain issue, buffer size will cause crackle even when there is no input signal, also can happen during playback etc...