Mic is too sensitive

[shagfu]

I'm using an SP B1 to record acoustic guitars and vocals.
I really like the mic, but I think it may be a little too sensitive for me.
I assume it's the nature of condenser mics.

I'm picking up quite a bit of ambient noise from the house (fridge upstairs, family watching tv, and I live next to a high school).

Can anyone recommend a mic for guitar and vocals that isn't so sensitive to ambient noise? Or a recording technique that will allow me to keep using the B1 while keeping the ambient noise levels down.

I bought a laptop to get out and about to do some recording. Would s "stage" mic be more suited for mobile recording.

Thanks,
Shag Fu

 

[H2oskiphil]

You may want to bring the trim down a little on your mic channels. That will decrease the levels of the background noise. Depending on the software you're using, you could then use a noise gate plugin to eliminate anything below a certain decibel level. Sonic Foundry software has the noise gate built in...

That's the method I've used to eliminate my "house noises" in my recordings. I'll certainly defer to more experienced homereccer's for better methods-I'm by no means an expert.

 

[littledog]

Turning down the trim doesn't change the signal-to-noise ratio. The ambient noises get softer, but so does your instrument or voice.

Instead, you may want to experiment with building some gobos to isolate your mic from picking up some of the house noise.

 

[Armistice]

As littledog says, you really need to eliminate the noise in the first place or keep it from getting to the mike.

I built a 2m x 2m x 2m frame and hung sheets, blankets, whatever all over it to cut out the reflections from the walls, then turned off the fridge, locked the cat outside, put the clock in the next room etc etc.

It's not studio, but it's not bad.

Cheers

David

PS. Don't forget to turn the fridge back on when you finish - done that before now to wake up to warm milk on the cereal!

 

[gordone]

A noise gate won't help. It only kicks in when the entire signal gets below the threshold. So when you're singing/playing, the background noise would still be there. A Shure SM58 with the right preamp can sound great and not have ambient noise problems. I just moved my PC out of my recording space and now I have to remember to turn off the overhead fluresent (sp?) light when I record. Not to mention tell my fiance to hold off on doing any laundry/walking/talking/etc!

Depending on the software you're using, you could then use a noise gate plugin to eliminate anything below a certain decibel level. Sonic Foundry software has the noise gate built in...

 

[Brent Casey]

An SM-57 is less sensitive to ambient noise.

For reducing ambient noise in a home environment, I recommend:

*Couch cushions
*Blankets and sleeping bags
*Coat closet
*Unplug the fridge
*Kill your television

There's only so much you can do about environmental noise, but I guarantee that a couch fort will kill your ambient room noise. Probably your vibe too, but it will at least enable you to use the B1 more effectively.

Brent Casey

I'm using an SP B1 to record acoustic guitars and vocals.
I really like the mic, but I think it may be a little too sensitive for me.
I assume it's the nature of condenser mics.

I'm picking up quite a bit of ambient noise from the house (fridge upstairs, family watching tv, and I live next to a high school).

Can anyone recommend a mic for guitar and vocals that isn't so sensitive to ambient noise? Or a recording technique that will allow me to keep using the B1 while keeping the ambient noise levels down.

I bought a laptop to get out and about to do some recording. Would s "stage" mic be more suited for mobile recording.

Thanks,
Shag Fu

 

[sjoko2]

find a corner somewhere in the house you can isolate as much as possible.
A friend who records all his demos at home has build a 6 x 4 valance from timber against the roof of his bedroom. When he records he hangs thick double packing blankets from this valance, which reach down to the floor, creating a 6 x 4 booth, which solves most of his problems.

If that doesn't work - swear into the mic 15 minutes a day until it becomes less sensitive.

 

[Robert D]

That last comment was the best *LOL*

You have a fundimental choice here....give up fidelity to have it easy recording, or work to make a better recording environment. Most of us would rather have to hang upside down from the ceiling while playing at 2:00 AM than to give up fidelity, but that's just us crazy's. If you want to hear the alloy used in the strings, and the laquer used on the finish, stick with the condensor and make a quiet place and time to record.
RD

 

[darrin_h2000]

Build a room useing all the tricks of sound isolation.

 

[sjoko2]

SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why didn't I ever think of that????

 

[darrin_h2000]

Stick with my Mentoring Sojo, Ill turn you into a pro.

 

[chessrock]

Re: Re: Mic is too sensitive

I guarantee that a couch fort will kill your ambient room noise.

Do you know anywhere I can download some schematics for such a project? I'm about ready to place another order to auralex, and it's surely gonna' break me.

 

[sjoko2]

1. http://users.erols.com/abattoir/sculpt/sculpt.html
2. http://www.blankeez.com/
3. http://www.ahappycamper.com/
4. http://www.sturdicraft.com/mall/categories/natural/wardrobe_closet.asp
5. http://kropla.com/electric2.htm
6. http://www.netreach.net/~kaufman/

(always ready with some realistic advise)

 

[shagfu]

Thanks

Thanks for all the great advice everyone

Now if only ACME made a portable, inflatable iso booth that automatically inflates when you open up it's carrying case.

 

[sjoko2]

they do

 

[littledog]

Re: Thanks

Thanks for all the great advice everyone

Now if only ACME made a portable, inflatable iso booth that automatically inflates when you open up it's carrying case.

I know where you can buy an inflatable singer... (that is why the mouth is open, isn't it?)

 

[sjoko2]

http://www.avoninflatables.co.uk/page/fd_oac

 

[Freudian Slip]

Goodwill your cheap comforter headquarters. Blanket ans the like are the cheapest affective way to get some deadening. The tent or frame with blankets works good.


Chessrock: If you have any left over auralex send it on over $$$$$

Too rich for me. I can't believe the prices of this stuff... It would be cheaper to hang sides of beef! might even work better to...
Hmmmmm????? beeeeeeefffff............




F.S.

 

[alanhyatt]

You can make a very innexpensive 3 corner vocal room out of blankets using some tie cleats, thin rope or string, and I love moving blankets...they work great.

 

[Middleman]

Find a single door closet. Point the mike towards the room with the closet to the back of the mike. The clothes in the closet will cut down on the ambient noise and your body, while singing, will block most of the rest.

A dedicated space is better.