Transfers are sounding rubbish...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Will25
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Will25

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This recording was only a quick demo but I'm having the same problem with all my tracks...basically there's a LOT of hiss and the quality just diminishes overall when I transfer it to a computer via USB. I'm recording on a Tascam 488 cassette and using adapters to go through an EMU 0204 (which I have to use different L/R settings when mixing a stereo track because the inputs are different levels) and in general it just sounds rubbish compared to the original.

It's frustrating, I need to submit some tracks for a funding application and these wouldn't be taken seriously. I know artists have used 488s with no hiss and a clear sound so why are mine sounding so bad? I know it's not just the recording method... many thanks for any advice :)

http://soundcloud.com/justwilliamandtheoutlaws/falling
 
It does sound like tape hiss.
Check the noise reduction circuit. You may have recorded with it off or turned it off when uploading.
It may be that the noise is from the source.
Go & visit someone with a different interface & try theirs. See if it makes a difference.
You need to go through you signal chain & see if anything there is adding the noise.
Final option is to remove the hiss with a filter, a fingerprint or careful EQing.
 
I agree it does sound like bad tape hiss, I think there's something else though...it seems more reverby than on the Tascam, and just lacks something. There's a significant noise increase when I push the GRP 1-2 monitor in though...even when there's no channels assigned to GRP 1-2 and no mic inputs...hmm. Sounds much clearer playing the mix back through the GRP 3-4, though I still think part of it is the digital convert :/

I wish I had someone I knew who did recording (or at least analogue recording), would be much simpler!
 
It has a kind of lo fi sound to it compared to the digital domain due to the tape. There is some hiss there. It's a matter of trial and error to figure out if it's committed to tape or coming out of the sends. Nice groove to the tune....
 
Thanks for the inputs, I think it was partly due to tape hiss and partly the sends as I've since got a cleaner copy out. Just wondering, is it normal to have to turn the master fader down to about 1 or 2 and the gain pots way down on the USB interface when converting to the computer? If I keep it at 7 (as I mix it) it's way too loud for audacity/reaper...I've got a feeling that this might affect the noise as well? :S
 
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