Transducer for converting sound pressure waves into an electrical signal
2
votes
3answers
810 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 ...
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
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
2answers
2k views
External Mic/Sound Recorder recommendations
The Nikon d3100 does not have an external microphone port, which is normally not a problem (built in mic is great) unless your doing AF-A, then you get lens noises. For a shot that requires zooming ...
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 ...
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 ...
4
votes
2answers
487 views
How do I use a microphone on my PC sound card to automatically create a “sweet spot” with excellent frequency response?
Are there any PC sound cards I can buy which support "digital room correction", a feature found on high-end amplifiers, namely the ability to use a microphone to automatically calibrate your sound ...
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 ...
11
votes
2answers
2k views
XLR vs USB Microphone
I have a Fast Track Pro (which as an XLR pre-amp) mostly used for DJing tasks. Now, I am in the process of creating a small (really cheap) recording studio in my home. I was looking for cheap Mics, ...
4
votes
3answers
506 views
Microphone for recording sounds on the Mac?
I've bought Logic Studio and want to record some sounds in a very quiet environment. Those sounds are the basis for sound effects used in movies and software. It's so much fun to create them.
What I ...
3
votes
1answer
119 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 ...
4
votes
1answer
135 views
Second Microphone for Stereo Recordings: Identical or Different?
In search for a more spatial and natural sounding recording, I thought perhaps I would add a second microphone to my existing setup (1 Rode NT1-A attached to a Marantz PMD-661 recorder) which records ...
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. ...
2
votes
2answers
219 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!
6
votes
1answer
649 views
Why does your voice sound different when you record it?
Is it just yourself, or can other people hear it too?
5
votes
1answer
125 views
How can I reduce interference with two radio microphones?
(Hopefully not off-topic noob question)
We have a hearing loop set up which uses a Sennheiser collar radio mic and receiver which works pretty well. We recently bought a handheld Sennheiser mic for ...
5
votes
1answer
1k views
Bluetooth headset as a microphone
Edit: For those of you who mentioned this -- I will use a separate system to record environmental sounds using a high quality mic. The bluetooth idea is ONLY for recording the speech of many subjects ...
5
votes
1answer
374 views
What are those switches on my microphone, having something to do with directions?
My microphone (M-audio Solaris) has this switch with 3 different pictures/diagrams (it's not volume, neither lowcut). I think it has something to do with directions from where the microphone records ...
4
votes
1answer
599 views
How can I clean vocal microphone grill?
Every stage vocalist knows that excessive using of microphones leads to grill corrosion and clogging.
What is a fast and effective way of the microphone grill cleaning? Let it be Shure SM58 grill, ...
5
votes
2answers
2k views
What do I need to make reasonable quality amateur recordings of vocals/piano to put on Youtube?
I have been recording myself playing piano and posting to Youtube, just so friends can take a look at how my progress is with the instrument for the most part, but also to post tutorials for some ...
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 ...
3
votes
5answers
462 views
All Around Workhorse Studio Mics
I'm starting a small project studio & I need a couple of relatively inexpensive versatile workhorse mics that can do it all (at least to start). I've looked at the AKG C2000B & C1000S to start ...
0
votes
1answer
212 views
ART Tube MP doesn't register any input.
I have a NADY SP-4C mic plugged into an ART Tube MP Studio preamp which, in turn, is plugged into my laptop's mic/line-in. All connected via 1/4" (laptop is 1/4" to 1/8", of course).
The Tube MP does ...
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 ...
4
votes
2answers
575 views
How do I match a microphone to a preamp
How can I tell if a microphone with work with a given preamp?
Some preamps don't have the power for dynamic or ribbon mics. How can I tell if a certain mic is extra needy in the gain department? ...
0
votes
4answers
1k views
What is the best way to record Electric Guitar on heavy distortion?
I am striving to record Electric Guitar on heavy distortion. I'm using an SM57 and an Audio Technica AT2020 as a room mic. I'm getting a pretty good sound but is there anything i can do to, really ...
0
votes
1answer
269 views
Which microphone to choose for a piano live reinforcment?
I have ordered two MXL 603 mics.
Will these work for miking piano?
How should I position them?
Is there a better way to do if for the same amount of money?
5
votes
1answer
296 views
Recording acoustic guitar with Zoom H4
I've been trying some recording of my acoustic with the H4. I was playing fingerstyle, so not as loud as when using a pick/plectrum. This recording was with the H4 on a tripod just next to my hand ...
4
votes
2answers
292 views
Single-mic close-miked solution for acoustic guitar?
My current setup for recording acoustic guitar is to use an SM-57 and, depending on the music, either mix in the input from my condenser mic for room sound (a Studio Projects C-1) or mix in the input ...
4
votes
1answer
358 views
Gang Vocal Recording Techniques
Up until recently, I've recorded all gang vocals with multiple passes with varying positions around a single omnidirectional microphone (Avantone CV12)... this has worked well, and with varying ...
6
votes
3answers
3k views
Best way to mic up a group discussion
I'd like to record some round-table type discussions for a podcasting project I have in mind, but although I've done some recording of music I don't really know how to start with this.
Should I be ...
6
votes
2answers
599 views
Setting up a home 'vocal booth'
I'm looking at recording some vocals and looking for tips on how to get good results on a budget.
My set-up is based around a Zoom H4 on a tripod with a pop filter. As this is hooked up to the PC I ...
0
votes
1answer
82 views
What specifications should I look for in a budget microphone to be used for capturing clean, electric guitar?
What should I look for in a budget-level microphone if I'm going to use it primarily for capturing clean, guitar amp tones?
Can such a microphone capture both clean and distorted tones well?
1
vote
3answers
901 views
How can I get the most clear sound out of an electric guitar? line in, or mic'ing?
I am recording a Guitar track, through mic'ing a guitar cab. I have gotten a decent sound out of it, but I am having troubles getting good clarity. I am using logic express 9. Are there any inserts or ...
0
votes
2answers
749 views
Urgent: Micing a kick drum with a large diaphragm condenser?
In two days, I am supposed to record a rock (more like hardcore) band. I'm definitely no professional, rather doing it as a favor since I have most of the equipment.
I am starting with the drums and ...
10
votes
3answers
556 views
Does it hurt to send phantom power to a mic with its own power supply?
And if not, why is there a switch on the preamp? Why not just send phantom power all the time?
7
votes
3answers
220 views
What to look for in a vocal mic for a small home studio
I'm just getting started with recording at home. I've done some recording in a band in a real studio in the past, but never really learned anything about the equipment and how to use it. I'm wanting ...
1
vote
1answer
784 views
How do I fix USB Mic Static through a preamp?
I am trying to setup a semi-pro recording area for creating a podcast and I am quite new to audio recording.
I have a KAM C3 (Bottom one on the site) Mic going into an ART Tube MP - Project Series ...
3
votes
2answers
617 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
420 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 ...
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 ...
4
votes
5answers
675 views
How to amplify mans voice in a noisy recording?
There is a party and as usual people are grouped. We have 2 groups - in first there is a woman who is telling a story at the moment. In second, there is a man, telling interesting anecdote. We have 7 ...
3
votes
2answers
726 views
Basics of micing drumset cymbals?
I always watch when they're miking the drum-sets at shows I go to. Most of the time the bass, snare, and all of the toms are have their own mic. But what about cymbals? They tend to be a lot louder ...
6
votes
2answers
364 views
What are the most used types of microphones and what are they best used for?
I've seen many different types of microphones, and I feel like I should know some of most important ones before getting any farther. What are the most commonly mic types and how does one decide which ...
5
votes
2answers
341 views
Podcast recording tips
What would be the best affordable setup for recording a 3-4 person podcast all in one room?
I think my main problems are with the hardware...
I've tried a few things: using a condenser (Samson C01U ...
7
votes
2answers
833 views
How should I mic a classical guitar?
I’d like to record some classical guitar. I have Garage Band and a couple of generic USB mics. I also have a two-channel M-Audio preamp/audio interface, so recommendations for better mics for the ...
9
votes
4answers
288 views
All-round vocal mic
What should I be looking for when purchasing a good all-rounder vocal mic?
We've dealt in Shure SM58's for years. Are there other alternatives? What qualities should I be looking for when shopping ...
