Requesting Review of Samples by Bunny Mgrs/QC
Hi Angela - per our recent email exchange, I'm requesting feedback on some audio samples.
My participation has been fairly high, I've booked at least one job and one speedy and I would say 97.9% of my submissions are 'internally accepted'. One recent revision request came to be after midnight and some of the feedback was:
"Could you please adjust your preamp gain, to fully utilize the digital audio's dynamic bandwidth? Please aim the peak at -3 dbfs (or normalize)."
I've provided three samples and they can be found at the wetransfer link below for the next seven days- I didn't know how else to provide the files (no 'browse' or 'upload' selection here) - the file names describe what is on the file, ie: 'Gain Cranked', 'Gain Pulled Back' and one as close to the regular setting as I can get.
I say that because I'm using a Shure X2u pre-amp that comes out of a Cloudlifter, which is linked to my Sennheiser MD421. The Shure has an unmarked rolling dial, so one is dialing in while listening. I have a monitor in my booth, attached to MACbook pro, which is on a cart wheeled outside of the studio to avoid any fan noise from it. I use a walk-in closet with walls treated w/moving blankets (I rent, don't own) and a foam mattress topper across the ceiling. The room is by the a/c vent, but I shut off the a/c when I'm in the booth. I use Sound Studio for recording and editing. I'm trying to provide as much information as possible to diagnose this issue.
I look forward to any suggestions you may have or assistance someone from your team can provide, as I am only having this issue with the cute and adorable Mr. Bunny. :-)
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Hi Dawn!
I'm sorry for my late reply here! I had to take some time off as I was very sick at the end of last week. I have downloaded the files and uploaded them to this Google Drive link so we can access them anytime: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4cYhVPse9KiUWhDVkZEOU5RUkE/view?usp=sharing
I'm going to divide the feedback into sections per file and then I'll give you some of my conclusions.
Reg Setting: The hiss is very present. The quality of the microphone is great and your voice sounds amazing but the hiss is really, very present.
Pulled Back: I still can listen to the hiss in the same level actually compared to the previous recording (compared to the levels of the voice over as the overall volume of this recording is lower than that of the Reg Setting clip). The signal to noise ratio is still there and I can pick the hiss very present.
Cranked: This one is actually distorted as you gave it way too much gain. I don't think it's a good practice to use this level, ever! Even the high frequencies were boosted and all aside from the gain.
The cloudlifter is a great piece equipment and actually the recommended piece to use when you're recording using a dynamic microphone so you made the right choice there! I'm not familiarized with the Shure X2U but I made some research and this is not an interface per se. It's actually a microphone adapter to make your mic a USB microphone. This is not actually very ideal as the pre amplifier it has is not of the very best quality for this type of recording applications. Especially when you're pairing it up with a dynamic microphone which requires a bit more gain compared to a condenser mic. This setup you described is recommended more for podcasts and/or music sketches. We talked a bit about this when we hosted our Microphone 101 webinar so you may want to take a look at the recap to understand more why this is not desirable: https://goo.gl/igCO8X
I have also asked our QC manager and team members to pitch in and give you their comments! However, from my part, that's what I notice.
Hello Dawn.
Thanks for sharing the files. I think it's a great exercise.
A couple of notes:
1. Cranked: True, that's way too much gain. It adds excessive noise. Not a good practice.
2. Pulled_back: As Angela notes, the general volume of the audio is way below Cranked, so the noise is not that loud, but it is indeed there. If you raise the volume, add a compressor or limiter, the noise will come up and be more noticeable.
3. Reg: Same case.
Now, I agree with Angela. The Shure X2U seems like a really good gadget, but it definitively doesn't favour professional recordings. The AD/DA (Analog to Digital, Digital to Analog) conversion process is key in the recording process. So I find this piece of equipment really useful for other applications that don't require such definition. Therefore, I suggest you consider upgrading interface. That will solve your noise issue, if you get a good one! Focusrite could be a good starting point.
The MD421 is a great and versatile mic. It works well for recording vocal, although I would suggest you to try a condenser. It will help you achieve a clearer and crispier recording. For now, I would suggest you add a pop filter to the MD421 to help you control sibilance.
The cloudfilter is great! I'd love to have one :)
In terms of performance, I felt you where rushing through the script; as if you're in a hurry. Don't rush, aim for a natural and conversational tone. Take the time to breath and to vocalise. It will help you a lot.
I hope this helps!
Best,
Juan