Trying to improve Audio Quality
I've been trying to hear what the managers and QC hear in these samples. I finally listened in my headsets and started hearing more detail.
Now, I've been trying different configurations with my system. I think I've corrected a lot of the problem since the audition take:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Bj2llnA0CkzJ2cVbCCXL3Af-thCmvhLo
Now with my latest recordings, I still hear a slight echo when I turn up the volume pretty high and listen in headphone.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=10wU8mPDU_IEfyGLWnzRJmJCb5xGZrPkl
But, I think it is less noticeable when saved in stereo...
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-qXnRaG_FIosc5kgx2iNIdPqw_rZqIno
I need some feedback.
Equipment:
Mic: EV RE20
Interface: Yamaha MG10XU (mixer settings flat)
DAW: Adobe Audition CC
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Hi Jeff!
Thanks for sharing your recording.
I'm listening to both recordings and the difference is superb! I didn't listen to the stereo file because we only allow mono files, so I believe it wouldn't be relevant as you'd anyway had to upload your recording in mono. I'm going to focus my feedback on the corrected recording.
So the first thing I have to say is that it sounds really much better than the original file you submitted in regards to room echo and hiss noise! What I can say, however, is that the recording has too much gain and many plosives and mouth noises. From the title, I see that you added the maximum gain and you didn't use any pop filter. This is, more likely, why these problems are present.
Please, make sure you add a pop filter and record at a comfortable distance from the mic's capsule. Also, make sure you lower the gain in full and increase it slowly until you have healthy levels!
Hope this helped and we look forward to another recording :)
Thank you. I'm going to try some more adjustments/ideas and upload new examples for review.
OK. I downloaded a preamp emulator just to see if that would help. I plan on getting a dbx preamp so, this is just testing to see if it'll help.
I recorded about 4 inches from the mic with a pop filter in between.
On this one, I set the gain on the mixer at the 3 o'clock position and used the (emulator) preamp to boost the remaining.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qqLIzrEmEvD2wE7WijrE1kSVoEwDwsyZ
On this one, I set the mixer gain to the 10 o'clock (I think it's 5db) and used the (emulator) preamp to boost the remaining.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1zOIRWwdWCUdhDp7y_FTwJB2sGcBQw3hQ
I think I might be getting closer to a working setup. What do you think? Would it be an acceptable audition recording?
Hi Jeff
These both files have a lot of hiss and electrical noise. Also the gain is very, very high. The first file has way too much electrical noise as if there was an interference of some sort or if one of your cables and/or equipment piece had a faulty connection. I suggest you review your electrical connections because it does sound electrically generated.
The second file has a very critical level of hiss noise and the gain is still very high. It even distorts a little in some areas so I don't believe the emulator is doing any good to the recording.
From your equipment and judging from the sound of the recordings, I believe the Yamaha is the one creating the noise. Keep in mind that these mixers are designed for live applications but don't have the high fidelity that in-studio recording require. For this reason, instead of getting a preamplifier, I would recommend you to get an interface instead. There are very nice single-channel ones that have awesome prices and great quality. This is my guess as I'm looking for reviews of this equipment and it does say it's designed for live applications mainly. Also, as this type of mixer has a lot of parameters and built-in processing, it's also common to see a higher level of hiss being applied.
Also, as you're using a dynamic microphone, it's important to get a signal lifter to reduce the gain that you have to add in your interface's preamplifier. Dynamic microphones are more robust and require a lot of gain to work properly when compared with the commonly used condenser mics. For this reason, common interfaces usually aren't able to power them well without adding unwanted hiss. You may want to also review the possibility of acquiring a signal lifter + interface instead of getting a preamplifier.
These are just suggestions! As I'm not familiarized with your settings 100%, I can only judge from my ears and personal experience. However, I hope this helps.
OK. This will be my last attempt until I get new equipment. Thank you for all the feedback. I think I got rid of the hiss, but am I hearing an echo? The only thing left after this retry is going to take money.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1EFUdQRx_ougWi4Znu-6w0TSUBjyTsTT_
Hi Jeffrey
I do agree with you that the recording has some room echo. It also sounds quite boomy, probably also due to your acoustic treatment, too. There's also some plosives which hint to me that you may be recording too near to the mic's capsule.
I suggest that, before you buy new gear, you check your acoustic treatment of the room. The room echo and boominess are most likely to be caused by insufficient or inadequate acoustic treatment of the space you're recording in. For this, I'd definitely do a review of your recording area, the surfaces that are around, size and shape of it. This way, you can define whether to make some changes in regards to materials and also mic positioning!
After months, I'm back. I just need some quick feedback. I was testing my new pre-amp and settled on this setup. I'm still expecting a different Audio Interface, but I just wanted to see if this is putting me in the right direction.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1DMFaouG7dltE6e1JsLOt-YgT5_ypTu9W
OK! The Apollo Twin finally showed up and is working with my computer. If anybody knows a great setup for VoiceBunny using the Apollo interface, please let me know. In the meantime, this is what I've come up with. Please, let me know if I'm on the right track.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RQ8yVSzmG2xvca67XWSMP9UlP8VVhAPV
Hi Jeffrey
Thanks for sharing! The recording sounds quite boomy and you have several plosives. I believe you're recording a bit too near to the microphone and your space is a bit too absorptive. I suggest you record a bit farther away and using a pop filter as well as changing your mic technique so the microphone is able to pick up more high frequencies. Also, if you can, try removing a bit of the padding as this could help reduce the low-frequency boost!
Also, great purchase you have right there! The Apollo Twin is a magnificent interface. Which mic are you using with it?
I'm using the Electro-Voice RE20.
So, my echo is more under control?
Hi Jeffrey!
Yes, at this moment, the room echo is better handled. It's still present, but it's less harsh!