Too Much Static While Recording

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tdee

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Let me write down the equipment I am using for recording :-

Behringer B-1
Behringer Phantom Power Supply
Behringer UControl UCA202
BIG PMX-4D MIXER
Windows

While I record, I get alot of static. I mean, there is alot of noise (not distortion) but yes definitely there is something. I'll upload it later.

Any suggestions, you guys can provide.

Thanks
 
You need to isolate the source of the noise.
1) Try a different mic
2) try a different phantom power supply
3) try a different interface
4) try different cables
4) Take the mixer or preamp out of the equation
Only change one thing at a time. You mind find that it is a multiplication problem - noise form the mic/phantom power boosted by the interface and boosted again ....
 
tdee said:
Behringer B-1
Behringer Phantom Power Supply
Behringer UControl UCA202
Click to expand...

There appears to be a running theme here. Try using something that isn't Behringer. It really is aweful gear and notoriously noisy.
 
Let me start by saying that I'm not a "Behringer basher". I have owned--and still do own--some Behringer gear. It tends to represent decent value for money at the budget end of the market. But it IS cheap gear.

If I have one criticism of Behringer gear, it's that it tends to be a bit noisy, particularly if you have to turn the gain up a bit. The trouble with noise (what you call static) is that it is cumulative. If you put a slightly noisy (but acceptable) microphone into a slightly noisy interface via a slightly noisy mixer (don't know the mixer you have but I have my suspicions) the end result will be objectionable noise.

I fear the solution is to start some gear replacement...and my suggestion would be to start with the UCA202 which I know can be very noisy indeed.

Bob
 
Bobbsy said:
Let me start by saying that I'm not a "Behringer basher". I have owned--and still do own--some Behringer gear.
Click to expand...

I'd just like to say this also. I've used headphone amps and the DI boxes (It's difficult to F**K a DI box up really), but it does sound like the problem is because of the B word.

Sounds like you might be better just getting an interface with mic amps. I should be asking Tascam for some commission now, but take a look at their range of interfaces. They really are good for the money. Sell all you other get (apart from the mic) and get something like the US 200.
 
I've got some B gear in my live racks and it does ok, might be useful if you describe what the signal chain is - it could be bad cables, adaptors. gain mismatching. proximity to RF of lighting..... explain some more.
 
I don't own any B gear, so I'm not defending it. But before we blame the gear, can we get a little more information.? For example, how "hot" are you trying to record?

And, may I ask what
Too Much Static While Recording
Click to expand...
means? Any more static than "no static at all" is "too much static". I've never seen a thread entitled "How do I get just enough static?". :eek:

:D
 
I would focus on the mixer and double check your routing connections. Line level signals are not feeding mic inputs, etc...

Make sure all unused channels are muted.
Check your gain staging between the channel preamps and the master section.
If the mixer has built-in effects, make sure they are turned off.
 
Maybe your comp isnt able to handle the recording, or you might have set the sample rate to high. That can cause glitchiness in recordings.
 
What good recording software do you guys suggest while on Windows ?
Will I be able to use Protools with Behringer USB Interface on windows?
 
dont think so, protools crap usually only works with protools compatible crap. Cubase, logic, audition, sonar, reaper, audacity, yadda yadda yadda.
 
You can use Cockos Reaper. It's free to try and they ask $60 under the honor system if you continue to use it. It's quite good.

As for the static goes, remove/replace one thing at at time to find out when the noise disappears. It may be coming from audio drivers as well, so you may have to include trying a different computer.
 
I would bet that it's the usual digital earth loop hiss/static between the USB interface and the Computer. Which I have answered many times on this forum. You need one of these between the mixer and the UCA202.

I have recorded with Behringer gear, on of their little 2 channel mixers and the UCA202 on location doing soft spoken word lectures, and there is virtually no noise, in fact the room air con was louder than the recording noise floor.

Alan.
 
It just occurred to me... Is your cell phone, wireless router or other wireless device nearby? If so, try moving them across the room or into another room.
 
Even with the usual imprecision of describing audio problems, I doubt the "bleepity bleep bleep bleep" noises you get from a cell phone would be described as static.

...which brings me to a point. In the first post you suggested that you could post a sample of the problems you're hearing--that would be a great idea. In my reply (and looking at your gear list) I've assumed you just mean general background noise/hiss. However, once we hear what you're hearing I'm sure there will be some rather more precise answers forthcoming!
 
Hey Guys,

Sorry for the late reply, had been really busy in some other stuff.

I have attached a recording done by my MIC...and I have so far unable to identify what it is.

Please note, I am using Behringer B1 Mic with a Phantom Power supply.

Please do give your comment after downloading.
 

Attachments

The mic was placed in a Bathroom with no nothing turned on!

Since I got no soundproofing!
 
Your noise floor is sitting at about -42dB with some peaks as bad as -39dB, both of which are way too high even if you gain is cranked way up.

I suspect you have the cumulative effect of several things going on here. Yes, there is some room noise but there's also electronic hiss and, weirdest of all, some ripple as well. The bad news is that I'll be very surprised if any one bit of gear is causing it all. It's far more likely that each piece on its own would be marginally acceptable but, put together, they add up to the problem you have.

Your only real way to proceed is to methodically work through your system leaving one bit out at a time--this will likely mean borrowing other mics, phantom supplies, interfaces etc. to allow you to do this. However, anything you can leave out, do so and see how you get on.

As a general comment, I think you have too many variables in your recording chain, mainly from the cheap end of the market. Instead of a phantom supply, UCA and mixer, you'd be better off with a single better "do everything" interface. However, before spending any money, I strongly suggest you find a way to listen to your mic on somebody else's system to make sure that it's not part of the problem too.
 
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