[Recommendations] Equipment
When it comes to equipment, what should I use as a start for Voicebunny? I was recommended the Focusrite Scarlett Solo interface because my biggest problem right now is the noise hiss/background noise. Will a mixer also help to fix that problem? If so, what kind of starting mixer do you suggest?
If I do not need a mixer, what kind of interface is best to cut down on background noise?
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Hello Lance.
I can vouch for the pres in the Scarlett.
Have you identified the source of the noise? Is the background noise coming from your recording space or from your equipment? What interface are you currently using?
If the background noise is coming from an external source (your recording environment) your interface might not be the issue.
Best,
I'm right now using a Behringer U-Phoria USB Audio Interface and as for my recording space, I record in a closed space (my closet) with soundproof foam covering the walls.
I don’t have experience with that particilar interface. I think it would benefit you to figure out if your ‘hiss’ is coming from your equipment or your space. Spaces that are well treated for reflections, aren’t necessarily well isolated... (one of the challenges that sometimes accompanies closet recordings - but not insurmountable). If you like, list your entire audio chain and post a link to a sample recording from your space. Maybe read a line or two, followed by your noise floor. Best.
What do you mean by not well isolated? Like isolation around the walls or in the walls?
I’m just referring to isolation vs reflection. Both issues present challenges for us. Closet studios can be problematic depending on how well isolated they are from outside noise. Many factors come into play. Walk-in closets vs. standard closets. Is the room adjacent to HVAC or household appliances? Are you located in a room with outside walls? (Street noise). Even registers from AC in the next room can make its way into our recordings.
I’m not suggesting your space presents any of those challenges. I wouldn’t know without being there. And I’ve heard some pretty phenomenal work come from closet studios.
If you have a hiss in your files, I suggest figuring out if it’s coming from background noise inherent in your space or your equipment. That can help you determine whether or not purchasing new equipment might benefit you.
If you list your audio chain and post a sample, I’d be happy to give an opinion about where your noise might be coming from. Good luck!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DdMQcQlA-xCFuOUxrV-dnRE6x0rFm_x_/view?usp=sharing
Here's a link to a very quick sample I did. I also ask for feedback on this before and was told by someone who had experience with the interface I use and said it does have a loud 'hiss' noise.
It would be helpful to hear :30seconds of your noise floor as well. That said, I do hear some unwanted noise that you would be well served to contend with. And several online reviews of that interface support the assertion that the pres in that interface can be noisey.
If your other contact has first hand experience, I don’t see any reason not to consider their advice.
I can vouch for the Scarlett series as a solid recommendation. The pres are very quiet. It would be an upgrade from your current interface, for sure.
Cheers!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DdMQcQlA-xCFuOUxrV-dnRE6x0rFm_x_/view?usp=sharing
Here's a better sample to get a read on the noise floor. And thank you, I will get a new interface but I will still look into better isolating my area to see if that will help. Thanks again.
If you haven't done so, I suggest you check out this post by the Voicebunny team. It breaks down this stuff and dives into greater detail.
https://help.bunnyinc.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/203418064-Recording-Problems-Hiss-Noise
Hi Lance!
I have to agree 100% with Brad's comments here. I have experience with the U-Phoria and it's very, very hissy. I'd recommend you try the Focusrite 2i2 as it's a very good piece of equipment for its price point. It's also important to consider the microphone you're using. If you have a dynamic mic, you may also need to acquire a signal lifter or an external preamplifier as these mics require much more gain than a condenser microphone.
I am also a big fan of Presonus preamplifiers as well as MOTU and RME. RME's Babyface is a bit on the expensive side but it has some amazing quality preamps!
Which mic do you have?
I have a Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500 Dynamic Vocal Microphone but I plan to change that soon because I just got a Scarlett Solo and tried it with the mic. The hiss is still there but not as bad so now I think it's because of the mic.
Hi Lance
Thanks for sharing! I personally would not recommend Behringer for applications that are not live sound for rehearsal rooms. As the brand is quite on the cheap side, most of their pieces can be quite hissy and low quality. This also considering you're using a dynamic mic which requires more gain than a condenser microphone, hence, making it more prone to produce noise. For this, I'd also suggest you get a condenser mic.
I recommend Blue mics! They have an amazing quality and have different price points.
I was thinking of getting a Shure SM58 but are there mics that work best with a Scarlett Solo? Preferably a condenser mic?
I wouldn’t be inclined to recommend a stage mic for VO. Consider a condenser mic. Like Angela says, Blue makes some great mics at various price points.
I did see something online about a Blue Spark. Is that a mic a condenser and something I should consider getting?
Edit: I just checked out the Blue Microphones and right now, my money isn't agreeing with me on that. I did see the AT2020 condenser microphone, would that be a good second option to get?
Hi Lance
I really like AudioTechnica mics, however, I'd recommend going a bit higher and getting the AT2035 or the AT2050. They're multipattern and have an amazing frequency response that is usually quite versatile for many different voices. I've found the AT2020 to be quite opaque.
If you could get the Blue Spark, it would be an amazing purchase. I had mine for over 6 years until it finally kicked the bucket this year. I'm planning on getting a new one tho! It's a really amazing mic for its price.
From looking at the AT2020 I actually just found out about the AT2035 and heard the quality of the AT2020 and 35 and I'm going for the 2035.
Awesome, Lance! I also own an AT2035 and my voice sounds really crisp and clean when used in a good environment. Hopefully it works for you, too! We look forward to a recording from it :)