lo-fi pre-amps?

  • Thread starter Thread starter pedter
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pedter

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I've tried to record some songs (using a computer and Sennheiser e815s), most of them piano pieces. But the noise is unbearably loud. Being a complete rookie, I guess (after looking through homerecording.com), I'll need a mic preamp. But being without money and without high demands, I'm searching for the cheapest ways to eliminate the hiss.
For example: http://www.keene.co.uk/cgi-bin/codesearch.pl?MA222

Does it make any sense to use something like that? Or what would you recommend?

Thanks. pedter.
 
can you explain your recording setup in a little more detail? acoustic piano or electric? what mics? recording to analog (tape) or digital (computer/hard drive)? if computer, what soundcard? etc.
 
piano: acoustic, upright
mic: just the sennheister e815s (but I've tried another one too -> same problem)
recording: digital (when I record on tape, the hiss seems to be less loud)
soundcard: realtek AC'97 (onboard) - crap, I guess
 
Ok. Well, what is your budget for upgrading?

Mics: Condenser microphones will tend to give you more detailed recordings than dynamic mics, but you can get by with what you have now. How are you miking the piano? For an upright, you'll probably want to get it away from the wall and mic the back of the soundboard. Mic placement is very important to capture a balanced sound, so you'll want to experiment a little.

Preamps: All microphones need a preamp. Currently, you're just using the preamp built into your soundcard (mic input), which really isn't designed for recording. A better preamp that will provide you with clean, quiet gain, is what you need. On the cheap, I'd be looking into the Studio Projects VTB1, M-Audio DMP3, or Rane MS1B. All are pretty solid low-end preamps.

Soundcard: The Realtek is a cheap stock soundcard that, again, is not designed for recording. Upgrading to something like the M-Audio 2496 card would probably substantially improve your sound.

There are also combination interfaces that combine the functions of a soundcard with preamps and can connect to the computer via USB or FireWire connections.
 
Well, my budget is low. I didn't plan to spend more than 100$ for a start. Wouldn't something like this answer my purpose. I don't expect the noise to disappear completely. I just want it to be at a lower level, so that one can enjoy the actual music.
 
pedter said:
Well, my budget is low. I didn't plan to spend more than 100$ for a start. Wouldn't something like this answer my purpose. I don't expect the noise to disappear completely. I just want it to be at a lower level, so that one can enjoy the actual music.
Click to expand...

The three preamps I recommended would all be quieter than the behringer. The studio projects is only $99, new, and the others can be purchased used for around $100.

If you must go cheaper, then the behringer, art tube mp, audio buddy, etc. will all work. However, cheaper preamps tend to get noisier the higher you turn them up.
 
it sounds like you might have your soundcard set to a line in and not a mic in. this might explain this hiss.
 
The first time I ever tried to record anything into my computer, I used a dynamic mic with a xlr to 1/4" adapter and then into a 1/8" adapter into my soundblaster card. I'm willing to bet a good number of us started that way. I was immediately dissapointed with the results, and from that point on, the money has flowed outward in increasingly bigger amounts as I strive for ever better quality.

It sounds like you need a way to make stereo recordings with two mics into your PC. The absolute cheapest way I know to effectively do that is going to be with one of these. It's still a bit more than your budget, but there's really no way around it, if you want to record a piano in stereo with two mics, you're going to have to have a decent interface and a pair of preamps. This unit is far from the best quality, and if you continue down the path you're on, you will certainly be wanting to throw more money away in the future. But for a beginner, you will find that this unit will give you the best possible bang for your buck, and I'm sure when you hear your first decent recording on your computer you will be pleased. And hooked for life :D
 
Depending on whether you're ready to replace your audio card/interface or just want to get decent preamps, you might consider the Peavey PV8 mixer. Four really nice pres.
 
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