Vocal recording probs!

[ClevTrev]

I've recently purchased a Behringer VX2000 Ultra Voice Pro to record vocals on Cool Edit Pro. However, still having problems with the signal level - ie. level still far too quiet - then I 'normalize' and get hiss. Am I doing something wrong?

I'm beginning to wonder if I need a new mic? The one I use I bought in early 80's and it wasn't new then. Maybe someone has some advice or can suggest what mic to buy for digital recording?

Help appreciated.

 

[Stealthtech]

assuming your using a pre-amp ??

sounds like your input levels are too low.

 

[ssscientist]

I'm beginning to wonder if I need a new mic? The one I use I bought in early 80's and it wasn't new then. Maybe someone has some advice or can suggest what mic to buy for digital recording?

If the mic works at all then it's suitable for digital recording. There are some differences between analog and digital recording, but they both need good input signals --- and normalizing is simply boosting the digital level until the loudest peak hits the clipping point and is guaranteed to bring out any imperfection in the recording.

What kind of mic is it?

 

[ssscientist]

Okay - I tracked down under your previous post in 'newbies' that you're using a Shure Unisphere which was not a good mic 25 years ago. Drop $75 to $150 on one of the Chinese-made condenser mics which have flooded the market in the last couple of years - Behringer, Studio Projects and Marshall are just some of the names they are marketed under. They will all need phantom power, which is something your Beringer preamp provides.