Transducer for converting sound pressure waves into an electrical signal
3
votes
2answers
68 views
How can I test microphones to determine their quality?
I recently inherited the leadership of the audio/video committee at my church. I bought a cable tester to check all the audio cables and adapters, and tossed anything that didn't pass. Now I'm faced ...
3
votes
2answers
125 views
When should I use a separate preamp or field mixer when recording from a mic?
I'm quite new in sound recording - I'm only starting out with this as a hobby, and have yet to invest in (most of) the equipment...
Let's say I should record voice with a microphone into a mobile ...
3
votes
2answers
182 views
question about very low volume with one microphone cable
I have one black cord/wire/cable (best term?) for use with my two microphones (a Shure SM57 and an Audix OM2) with XLR connectors on both ends. The problem is that when those mics (or another dynamic ...
3
votes
1answer
80 views
Ascending Hi Cut Filter?
I Tracked a guitar track and for a certain section there is a transition guitar part, and it would sound amazing with an ascending hi cut filter, but i have no idea how to implement that into the ...
3
votes
3answers
3k views
How to eliminate 50 Hz noise from microphone?
Can anyone recommend a good technique on microphone grounding and elimination of 50 Hz noise?
Update
This is a simple headphone mic.
When I touch mic's body the noise is decreased significally.
3
votes
1answer
1k views
How to remove noise/hissing sound while recording from a Dynamic Mic
I am using the Panasonic RP-VK21 which is a Dynamic microphone. Every time I record a video tutorial I have to edit the sound to remove the hissing sound (The background noise).
What can I do to ...
3
votes
1answer
74 views
Zoom H2 recordings with two different mic settings. How can I match them now?
I have a dilemma. I recorded live flute in a concert hall yesterday using my mac and the Zoom H2. I used the 2-channel setting that uses both the front and back mics, creating a stereo file. When I ...
3
votes
2answers
245 views
Vocal recording - Output level is too low even though the preamp show it's clipped
I'm using behringer B-1 mic and a Roland UA101 interface, trying to record vocals.
I'm using the 1st preamp input (with phantom enabled) and although the input is clipped, it's still really really ...
3
votes
2answers
616 views
Mic stand for sterling ST51 mic
Sorry for the n00b question. Hopefully this is an appropriate place to post.
I recently bought a couple of mics. 1) a Sterling ST51, and 2) a MXL V900. I gave the MXL to my brother for christmas ...
3
votes
1answer
40 views
Plugging in/Unplugging dynamic mics with the channel on
Is it true that plugging in/unplugging dynamic mics when the channel is turned on can lead to damage to the mic? If it is true, shouldn't it be true of damage to any equipment connected using XLR ...
3
votes
1answer
117 views
How much would I need to spend on a condenser microphone to get a reliable professional vocal sound? [closed]
I realise the question is a bit like asking how long is a piece of string, but consider my scenario. I have a Berringer B1, which cost about €80 I think. I know that I can get a good vocal sound from ...
3
votes
2answers
237 views
Audio setup for webcast interview
My son is looking at creating a live-to-tape interview series, using a two camera setup. We are struggling to decide on the audio setup. There are serious budget considerations for him, so the audio ...
3
votes
2answers
77 views
How do I broadcast a live event over a phone (land) line?
I'm running a live event where there's a panel discussion. The panelists will be mic'ed and there will be an audio setup with receiver and speakers.
I know it's old school but I want to broadcast ...
3
votes
1answer
48 views
Do all USB microphones that offer 'monitoring' appear as output devices to the computer?
I've been looking around at various USB microphones and I've noticed that some of them offer a monitoring feature. While it's clear that this means that I will be able to listen to the sound picked up ...
3
votes
1answer
208 views
Interview Microphone for Sony Handycam HDR-CX500E
We're recording interviews in a reasonably quiet room using a Sony HDR-CX500E. While the picture quality is acceptable, the audio quality isn't. We're using Sony's own shotgun microphone, but it's ...
3
votes
1answer
434 views
Condenser Mics: Maximum SPL in relation to Distortion, Physical Damage and a -10dB Attenuator
Over the next few months I'll be trying to learn how to record my band. I have a few newbie questions on some condenser microphone concepts. I just want to make sure I understand this all correctly. ...
3
votes
2answers
259 views
Live percussion recording - microphone questions
I want to record a live performance focused on percussion and voice. I have a Mac and a Presonus Firebox.
To start I'm considering a simple mono recording, since the most important to me is the ...
3
votes
1answer
419 views
Vocal mic placement, setup, and technique
I have AT4050 for my home studio that I'm using as a vocal mic. I have a rather powerful voice (not a screamer, just tend to be loud) and I'm trying to figure out the best way to position mic ...
3
votes
1answer
77 views
Miking a mixed choir/instrument ensemble on a budget
The space: Church sanctuary, roughly ballpark-shaped, about 40 to 50 feet on a side. Stone walls and floor with cloth hangings and carpeted aisle runners, wood pews with cushions, high vaulted plank ...
3
votes
1answer
364 views
Best mic for cajon/percussions in 100$-150$ price range?
I have a nice mic for acoustic guitar and voice, but it sounds awful when I try to record cajon. My cajon has a very deep bass and it almost isn't present.
Potentially besides cajon I would also want ...
3
votes
1answer
118 views
Digital audio gain past 100% for my computer mic? (win XP)
I would like to use my computer mic to talk with a friend. The problem is that the mic comes in way too quiet. On ubuntu, I have an option to set the mic volume to around 400%, and the quality is such ...
2
votes
2answers
144 views
How/why do Mac laptop mics suffer from hiss so much less than PC laptops?
A friend and I have been looking into mic hiss recently. We have come to the conclusion that Mac laptops (MacBooks?) suffer much less than PC laptops. Experimenting I have found that
Using an ...
2
votes
1answer
116 views
Do XLR cables wear out?
Is there any noticeable difference in sound quality if you use a new XLR cable instead of a well-used 10 years old one?
I work at our local church and can borrow a cable from there to do some ...
2
votes
2answers
289 views
Will I need a mic preamp for my Zoom H4N recorder?
I've bought a Zoom H4N and a Heil PR-40 mic.
Will I need to buy a mic preamp to go with that?
2
votes
2answers
218 views
Product recommendation: shotgun microphone for speech
I'm brand new to sound, and I want to begin documentary filmmaking. What are some microphone models I should look at? Preferably cheap and on ebay!
2
votes
3answers
806 views
Why is my PC microphone so quiet?
When recording with a Hama DM-65 dynamic microphone on my PC, the recording is barely audiable over the background noise. Here's an Audacity screenshot where in the highlighted part I'm playing an ...
2
votes
2answers
341 views
What is the difference between a dead cat and a foam screen?
What is the difference between a dead cat (the furry ones) and a foam screen when it comes to the result? Is one of them better than the other? Do they have different applications?
2
votes
2answers
916 views
How to transmit sound from my microphone to my speakers?
Sorry I feel like an idiot asking this, but hey, I don't know what I don't know.
I have a microphone and some speakers and some box like things that you can attach speakers to (pictures here), and I ...
2
votes
1answer
124 views
What microphone is used in these videos?
What microphone (and mount) does this girl use in her videos?
Examples:
...
2
votes
1answer
211 views
Is the Zoom H4n supposed to make metal clinching sounds?
I just got the Zoom H4n and did a test recording. You can hear a metallic clinching noise all the time if you don't put it on a table. There is considerably less clinching noises if you have the wind ...
2
votes
1answer
107 views
wired external video microphone interference
I'm shooting footage on a college campus using a wired external shotgun. In certain places on campus, there's an occasional buzz--like someone using a sped-up morse code--followed by a few seconds of ...
2
votes
2answers
369 views
What causes proximity effect?
What is the source of proximity effect... the boost in lower frequencies as a vocalist gets close to a condenser mic?
2
votes
2answers
48 views
Connect a 6.3mm microphone to USB
I bought this microphone. It has a 6.3mm-to-3.5mm adapter, so I can plug it into my Windows XP computer's headphone jack.
However, the volume is too low. So, I'd like to try plugging it into a USB ...
2
votes
1answer
248 views
Sterling Audio ST51 Condenser Mic XLR cord doesn't fit all the way and won't work
So I bought a Sterling Audio ST51 Condenser Mic on Monday to record vocals for some of my songs.
the mic
I bought it used from Guitar Center but they said it worked fine and obviously tested it. As ...
2
votes
1answer
58 views
What should I look for in a microphone that would be used in a noisy environment?
I have a weekly podcast that is recorded in a friend's home, and we are looking to upgrade the quality of our sound. Ideally, I would like to move from our current single omni-directional microphone ...
2
votes
1answer
133 views
What equipment should I use to record a conversation, cheaply?
I do work with endangered languages.
Sometimes we get a chance to have a conversation with one of the few remaining speakers of a language, and we'd like to get the best possible recording of their ...
2
votes
1answer
288 views
Are there any cheaper alternatives to the SM81?
I'm wanting a good mic for recording an acoustic guitar in my home studio. Everything I read says the SM81 is the way to go. But at $350 new it's a bit more then what I can spend. Can anyone recommend ...
2
votes
1answer
29 views
Help to identify this solo recording setup
Looking at this video from youtube featuring the amazing Bob McChensey playing the trombone, I can identify two microphones, the Royer R-121 and the old Sony C-37A. I can see both mics in use, would ...
2
votes
1answer
616 views
recording with Shure SM7B is surprisingly quiet
When recording with my new mic, the Shure SM7B, everything that gets recorded is extremely quiet and gets a ridiculous amount of static after upping the gain and using a compressor.
I recorded it ...
2
votes
1answer
201 views
Recording Gunshots
What type of external microphone is best to use to record gunshots? I am looking for a microphone that will give me a high quality and rich detail such as :
...
2
votes
2answers
3k views
Use Android smartphone to record sound
Would it be possible to use a smartphone (in my case a Nexus S) to record sound using an external microphone. I guess I could use an adaptor to connect the microphone to the audio jack and use the ...
2
votes
2answers
41 views
What equipment should I use for recording conference audio?
I need to record conference video/audio, and the audio is giving me trouble. Each hotel has their own type of PA (speaker) system, it is not universally compatible. Each conference takes place in a ...
2
votes
1answer
79 views
Microphone recommendation for solo trombone recordings
I would like some help to come up with a good mic setup to record solo trombone. I am not interested in the pop-brass-full-power kind of trombone playing needing a Shure SM57, but rather the sweet ...
2
votes
2answers
119 views
For videocasting, what is the best microphone?
I've done quite a bit of podcasting with an SM58.. Now, I'm doing videocasting, what's the best microphone to record sound? I want it to be more aesthetic: I don't want the microphone to be seen in ...
2
votes
1answer
310 views
Lowering Headphone Output to Fit Microphone Input
I have a cassette recorder with a microphone input, no line-in. I'd like to record some audio coming from my computer. No matter how low I set the computer's output volume the recorded signal is way ...
2
votes
1answer
54 views
What should I be looking for in a shotgun mic?
I am by no means a sound person. I really don't have experience with sound and especially with mics. However, I am trying to buy a shotgun mic to capture audio for video. Since I don't know a whole ...
2
votes
1answer
102 views
Courtroom microphones for electronic audio recording of proceedings?
I have been doing a lot of research trying to determine which microphones would best suit my needs to record in a courtroom environment. Typically, I position microphones throughout the courtroom ...
2
votes
1answer
147 views
What to look for in microphone to capture sound in larger area?
I have a couple classroom-like spaces, where as many as 30 people will meet together. These rooms have a computer and a projector installed. Recently, users in these rooms have wanted to add the ...
2
votes
1answer
185 views
Transient response time of typical computer microphone?
What is the the transient response time of the usual (cheap) PC microphone?
I have recorded the burst of rubber balloons (for a school project -- measuring the speed of sound) and found that it takes ...
2
votes
2answers
65 views
Dynamic mic windscreen shape
Does the shape of a handheld dynamic microphone's windscreen (i.e. a rounded top vs a flat top) have any effect on the sound, or is it just for aesthetics?
