I need help big time

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supertramp1979

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Frist, let me start off by saying Im new to the group. Not a very wise "engineer", though I find mixing, recording etc very interesting but mostly just incredibly fun. My problem is this; noise. Im using a 424MKIII (cheap I know) and am trying to get the best sound from it possible. Naturally, someone like me would use the onboard dbx noise reduction to get rid of unwanted noise. But unfortunately, I have found the dbx noise reducer to actually ad MORE noise than is already there. As a whole, it quiets the mix, but if a guitar part comes a little heavy, you will hear this distinctive "hisss" sound, that is coming from the dbx. I hate that thing with all my heart, yet when I DONT use it, the sound is very hissy. Your damned if you do and damned if you dont. So what Im asking is, what can I use to "clear" things up? A compressor? Is this what a compressor really does? Takes away all that irritating noise? Most people would say "im looking at this model" but Im not even there yet. I just need to know what gets rid of noise? Thanks for ANY help you dudes can give this sorry excuse of a sound engineer.
 
If the problem is tape hiss the only solutions are dolby or a software noise remover. A compressor will give you a better signal to noise ratio while tracking but if you apply it to the whole mix during mixdown it will just decrease your SNR. A better mic preamp will also give you a cleaner signal.
 
Hey, thanks a lot. I went to musiciansfriend.com and typed in "noise" and I found a Behringer "denoiser", and it appears to be four channel. Is this what I should be looking for? Also, can you refer me to any noise eleminators that have 4 channels? Thanks
 
The Behringer Denoiser is 2 channel. There aren't many outboard noise suppressors out there that I know of. The Behringer works great on some things like recording noisy guitar or bass pickups, individual tracking.... but to run a mix through it? 'twould probably kill your highs too much. You'd need the famous Ultrafex to put the highs back. Better way to deal with noise is to work on your signal to noise ratio like Tex said. That is, better mics, quieter pickups, quiet outboard preamp. But as long as you're playing with cassette you're going to have some hiss. Just get it as low as you can and get the rest sounding as good as you can...until you can get you a good digital recorder.
 
Hey supertramp,

I used to use a Tascam 424. For a 4 track cassette it's a pretty good machine. The hiss never bothered me as much as the limited, boxy sound on my acoustic guitar. So I went digital.

My guess is that if the tape hiss is bothering you now, you could throw a lot of dough at it and still get no satisfaction. Compression can increase your noise floor and make the hiss worse.

For your consideration: For a little more than the price of a decent compressor you can get a Fostex MR8. 8 tracks instead of 4, much quieter, onboard effects, etc. Mucisian's Friend was letting these go for $269 about a week ago. I don't own one of these, but have a friend who does, and it's a great machine for $300 or less.

Then if you invest further in compressors, preamps, mics, etc., you'll be building on a cleaner foundation.
 
Hey supertramp, I'm new around here also-greetings- been in music for thirty some years and using 4 track recorders, I still have a 424 for song ideas and love it. I run through a Souncraft mixer, use a MXL mic, bass DI, 57 for micin', etc with very little tape hiss, could be your equip your using going into the recorder, too high gain? Keep experimenting you'll get it clean. Ralph
 
Hey 87PRS, I went to your bands site and I just want to say of all the local bands Ive heard, your singer has THE BEST voice. On "dont be ashamed" when he harmonizes with himself its like shit, what the hell is this? Where did this guy come from? Im not religious by any means, but I could care less. Ill listen to that guys voice forever. Our band is looking for singers, and all we get are females. I like your setup- a male with a high voice. Maybe its a female? But It harks back to the 70s, roger hodgson, geddy lee, jon anderson....
 
Denoisers are usually just noise gates. They cut off the signal when the track isn't playing so you don't get room or amp noise. They are really only beneficial on specific tracks.

Going digital would definately get rid of the tape hiss. I would recomend getting something like a DMP3 preamp and a RNC compressor. That would definately give you a stronger, cleaner signal to tape.
 
TexRoadkill said:
Going digital would definately get rid of the tape hiss. I would recomend getting something like a DMP3 preamp and a RNC compressor. That would definately give you a stronger, cleaner signal to tape.
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Agreed.
 
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