Reducing Static?

  • Thread starter Thread starter crimnal
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crimnal

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I always pick up static and unwanted noise when I try to record my vocals. I want to be able to turn up my Output so it's at a level that sounds good, but everytime I turn it up, theres a bunch of static. Does anyone know what I can try?
 
Tell us what gear you are using and we may be able to help with specifics. At first glance, it seems like a crap Preamp may be the culprit, although i still dont know what mics you are using and to what medium you are recording to.
 
By static, do you mean pops or hiss? Because that makes a big difference.

Hiss... probably either a low grade preamp (or some other amplification in the signal chain) or a low quality condenser with a high noise floor (which amounts to a low quality pre-preamp).

Pops... check your cable. Check the contacts. Clean them with contact cleaner. If your cable is old and the contacts are getting loose enough for the connection to break easily, it may be worth buying a new cable. Spring steel tends to weaken with use.

Finally, make sure you're recording at a hot enough level. Don't try to correct in output for a lack of amplification on input. That goes double if you're recording at only 16 bits per sample.

Just the first few thoughts that come to mind.
 
Could it be you are using a condenser which picks up EVERYTHING and the '"static" might be the air conditioner/washing machine/street traffic?

You really need to give us more details on your setup if you want any help.
 
This is upstairs in my room, I use a MXL 990 mic, and a Behringer Mic200 preamp. I know its cheap stuff, but I have a budget, and and saving money for pressing as well. I am looking into fiberglass sound proofing to block off a little square in my room to record with, I'm hoping maybe that will help. I turn everything off in my room when I record, except the computer.
 
I bet you it's the sound from the computer ;)

crimnal said:
I turn everything off in my room when I record, except the computer.
Click to expand...
 
what are you using for a soundcard?
put headphones on and turn the preamp up. you'll be able to tell if it's computer fan noise or not (that's pretty obvious). most "static" type of noise will probably be coming from your preamp or soundcard....my vote is soundcard
 
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