Help with vocal recording issues regarding preamp.

  • Thread starter Thread starter wilson87
  • Start date Start date
W

wilson87

New member
Hi, I'm new to this forum. I'm trying to record vocals for my girlfriend.

I have an issue while recording vocals through a preamp into the line-in input on my computer through audacity. The sound comes out really distorted with static, it sounds like a robot. But when I recorded through my line6 hd500 guitar module, it sounds perfectly fine.

My setup:

Beyer M88-TG (XLR WIRE) --> Presonus Tubespre Preamp (1/4 to 1/8 wire) --> Computer Line In on-board soundcard.

Even with the gain setup low at 25% of the knob, it still distorts. Even at higher gain volumes, the wave doesn't show any clipping but the sound comes out distorted.

I'm not sure if my computer soundcard can't handle the input going through it, maybe I need an interface?

Please help, I'm getting frustrated haha. :D

Thanks!
 
You need an interface.

In built sound cards are universally rubbish.

Question: are you sure the socket you're plugging into is Line In? A good many modern computers only have a Mic In (to facilitate things like Skype calls. Your problem sounds an awful lot like the clipping you'd get plugging a line level source into a mic level input. From your description, it sounds like you're clipping right at the input stage to the computer then cranking down the levels too late so you can't see the problem on the waveform. USUALLY you can crank levels down (on the source) far enough to make it work--sort of. However, this "upsy downsy" gain staging does no good for your quality.
 
Thanks for the quick reply. I'm 100% sure that it's plugged into line-in.

I can hear static noises when the mic is recording the ambient environment.

Can you recommend me an interface that cost around 150 bucks?
 
Thanks for the reply guys. All the interfaces seem like they have a built in preamp already, should I return the preamp I have back?
 
wilson87 said:
Thanks for the reply guys. All the interfaces seem like they have a built in preamp already, should I return the preamp I have back?
Click to expand...

Yep.

You might try to swap the preamp for an audio interface.
 
If I keep the tube preamp, which interface would you suggest? There are a lot of options.

Thank you!
 
I think I will be swapping the preamp for the focus rite 2i2.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top