Static/Hissing...help!

[RizingSun]

I am having difficulty obtaining a clear recording on my computer. There is a constant level of static when I record. I am using a SHURE SM-58 through a MACKIE 1202-VLZ PRO then going from the Tape Out into my computers (fairly new Dell Dimension).

Regardless of the program I use there is still static. I have tried messing around with volume levels and all that good stuff, but I cant seem to kill the static. HOWEVER, I have noticed that there is not too much static before I plug into my MACKIE Tape out.

I would appreciate any help at all!! Thanks so much!!

 

[livilaNic]

I am having difficulty obtaining a clear recording on my computer. There is a constant level of static when I record. I am using a SHURE SM-58 through a MACKIE 1202-VLZ PRO then going from the Tape Out into my computers (fairly new Dell Dimension).

Regardless of the program I use there is still static. I have tried messing around with volume levels and all that good stuff, but I cant seem to kill the static. HOWEVER, I have noticed that there is not too much static before I plug into my MACKIE Tape out.

I would appreciate any help at all!! Thanks so much!!

What type of Soundcard is it?

Are you running the rca's to the mic in? Or line in on the soundcard?

What kind of cables and how long are your runs?

What program do you use to record?

 

[RizingSun]

1) SOUNDCARD - built on motherboard "SoundMax Integrated Digital Card"

2) I am running RCA from the tape out of my MACKIE into my soundcards Mic input (standard headphone jack)

3)Short 4-ft RadioShack (pretty thick) cable (RCA one end, Headphone jack on other)

4) PROGRAMS - messed around with windows recorded, but I have tried the N-Track demo version. There doesnt seem to be any difference between the programs (as far as stack goes).

Hope this helps!! Thanks so much!

 

[reshp1]

You need to run the tape out into the LINE in not the MIC in. The mic in is expecting a much smaller signal, so you are probably clipping the hell outta it.

 

[RizingSun]

I tried the Line-In but I am getting nothing when I try to recorded (i checked to see if Line-in was muted and it wasnt). I am only getting a signal through the mic-in for some reason

 

[aaroncomp]

Having the Line in muted or not only affects whether it is heard while monitoring the signal. Make sure you have Line in selected as the recording source (go to the mxer in control panel->options->properties->Recording section. From there, select Line in.

 

[Idgeit]

I got a Dell, and am using the built in soundcard when listening to music. its a POS. That could be a big part of the problem.


- Idgeit
--------------------
My 2 cents.

 

[Lomas]

About mic/line in, I have a question.

On my laptop I don't have a line in on the soundcard so I tried using the mic in instead. I had to put the microphone levels down really low and increase on my mixer to get a usable sound.

Sure there is a bit of noise that I wouldn't mind getting rid of, but it doesn't sound that bad to me.
Is it possible that on some cards the mic in works about as good as line in or am I losing a lot of quality for sure?

Anyway, I also want to ask if someone knows what I'd need to do to use a laptop for recording if I want the same quality as on my staionary? And how much it might cost me to make it happen.

 

[arjoll]

On my laptop I don't have a line in on the soundcard so I tried using the mic in instead. I had to put the microphone levels down really low and increase on my mixer to get a usable sound. Sure there is a bit of noise that I wouldn't mind getting rid of, but it doesn't sound that bad to me.
Is it possible that on some cards the mic in works about as good as line in or am I losing a lot of quality for sure?

The mic in is mono, usually outputs a voltage for an electrect mic, is usually very noisy and expects a low level signal (which is why you had to turn the level down). It really is not a good idea to use it for anything!

Anyway, I also want to ask if someone knows what I'd need to do to use a laptop for recording if I want the same quality as on my staionary? And how much it might cost me to make it happen.

It depends how serious you are. If you're happy with the sound quality on an inbuilt Soundmax or similar then you'll probably be happy with a Griffin iMic for NZ$79 (around US$55) - runs on Windows or Mac - or go slightly better with one of the external Creative Labs devices. For decent quality and more features with 2 channels the Tascam US-122 is nice, and after that there are a huge number of multichannel and other options.

Cya
Andrew

 

[Lomas]

Ok, well...

It sounds ok to me, but since I'm so new at all this I don't really know what quality to expect, you know?

I bought a sm57 microphone and a cheap 4-channel mixer so it didn't cost me much. BUT since I did go out and buy this stuff I don't wanna loose potential quality 'cause of a bad soundcard. So I'm willing to buy some more stuff to be able to record on my laptop. I do have a stationary computer too, but it's hard to find enough time to record on it since I live with my girlfriend in a one room apartment

 

[RizingSun]

Thanks Guys. The Line-In is sounding alot better than the mic. I was clipping it. Thanks again!

 

[jrod418]

if you can get a copy of Acid Pro 4.0 it has a great "track eq" that you can get the hiss out of your recordings. I use this program just for the effects it has, also an easy program to start learning on.

 

[thane1200]

Thanks Guys. The Line-In is sounding alot better than the mic. I was clipping it. Thanks again!

I would still suggest a new soundcard/interface.