Keyboard Recording - line in or miking

  • Thread starter Thread starter mdmd
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mdmd

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Hi, some time back I did a keyboard recording. The first method I tried was a direct line in from the keyboard to protools, only to realise that there was quite an evident level of noise (the hiss you would hear from a keyboard if you turn up the volume high, listening to it through good headphones). In a situation where there are no other instruments to really mask that noise, it was problematic. :(

In the end, I had to resort to playing the keyboard through the studio monitors, miking the monitors then recording it into protools. The sound was of course much warmer and better than you'll expect from a direct line in.

But I was just wondering, if anyone has good suggestions of recording keyboards. Preferably some tips to reduce the noise of doing line in if possible. (By the way, I did try gating while recording and it didn't help in cutting out the noise). Would you think then its more of a problem with the keyboard? (Its a Yamaha PSR2000)

Hope to get some good advice. Thanks! :)
 
i record all my keys through a mic...but that's just cuz i broke the jack. ;) i never would've thought of it if i hadn't have broken it though, and i do like the sound better, so i'll probably continue to do it that way even after i fix it.
 
What keyboard is it? If it is a pro level keyboard there shouldn't be any hiss if you set your gain stages right... unless something is wrong. Or you have some funky power issues going on. Also, don't turn the keyboard all the way up... 70% of the way is usually golden.
 
Actually I have a PSR 292 elcheapo keyboard and i don't get any hissing..... what kind of sound card do you have?
Chris
 
Actually I have a PSR 292 el cheapo keyboard and i don't get any hissing..... what kind of sound card do you have?
Chris
 
Keys are always recorded directly (out key ---> stereo line in).sometimes you should use a DI box before, but it's not necessary.
Instead I often use an analog compressor in order to get a warmer sound.

in your case It would seem a key problem (try using an alt out if the PSR has it)

all the best
 
While I don't have a lot of experience with a Yamaha PSR2000, in general the PSR series aren't exactly professional keyboards. Try borrowing a higher end synth and see if the problem recurs and then troubleshoot your system.
 
metropolis79 said:
Keys are always recorded directly (out key ---> stereo line in).sometimes you should use a DI box before, but it's not necessary.
Instead I often use an analog compressor in order to get a warmer sound.
Click to expand...

How about recording old 60s combo organs (think Vox Continental, Farfisa Combo Compact)? How would you recommend recording those?
 
OrganMiscreant said:
How about recording old 60s combo organs (think Vox Continental, Farfisa Combo Compact)? How would you recommend recording those?
Click to expand...

Ok! I was, obviously, speaking about last generation synths! :cool:
I haven't a lot of experience in recording real organs...I've recorded only a B3 with leslie cabinet and I did it with two mics in a room of my studio, trying different positions for balancing direct sound and room reflections...

But for a NEW synth, you've to record it directly!! :D

all the best
 
Try using better audio cables when you record directly. Cheap cables will give you lots of noise, especially near any electrical item. Plus the longer the chords, the more noise they will pick up.

You best bet is to use a high quality, balanced cable. The balanced will get rid of a lot of noise, and the high end cable will ultimately sound better(People don't believe cables make a big difference, but they do!!!!!).
Even if that doesn't fix the problem, you'll be glad you have the good cables for when you record any instrument. I know it made a huge difference with any keyboard stuff I recorded.

Cloneboy is right %70 is plenty.
 
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