Have you been able to record using another interface? If so, would you mind describing your recording process for us? I can still hear some hiss in the file, particularly noticeable during the resting periods, but present throughout the recording.
Hi Oscar. I used a brand-new Focusrite 2i2 with new cables and my existing shur microphone and cloud lifter. I had the levels high enough for the needle to reach but not exceed 0. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.
Could you try getting closer to the mic so you can decrease the preamp gain, which might help us avoid picking up those noticeable frequencies? Try to attempt to record at -9dB max, and see if it works for you.
Also, bear in mind that, when recording, the cloud lifter will add around +25dB to your signal, which definitely can have an impact on our issue.
I'm right up on the mic. Here's the latest attempt, with the gain at half. As for the cloud lifter: without it I get a very weak signal. I have not yet tired to record at -9dB. In the meantime:
So you said "try to record at -9dB max. Is that "normally" set for -50 or so? Want to make sure I'm making the adjustment in the right place. Also, I can send back this Focusrite 2i2 if you think another interface would be better...please don't be shy about saying, "Buy this one."
Thanks for sharing. The hiss noise is still present, but your interface + cloudlifter are a great combo and shouldn't be generating any hiss. Can you let me know which mic you're using? I know it's a Shure, but would you let me know which reference you have? Do you, by any chance, have another mic you can try?
As Angela mentioned your setup shouldn't be generating so much hiss. If the mic is in perfect working condition, the only other cause of hiss is electrical, it could be that the usb cable is not good or the computer's power source is not properly grounded.
You could try another mic, or try another preamp/audio interface to pinpoint the problem.
Thanks, Sebastian. I experimented with a borrowed mic today and got no hiss. Problem isolated. Now to figure out what mic to buy...any suggestions that will cost me an arm but not a leg?
If hiss is the issue I'd suggest switching to a condenser mic, something like the AKG 214 or the Audio techinca 4040 or 4030 could do the trick. Other brands to consider are Sontronics and Blue.
I am a huge fan of Blue mics personally so I would go with one from them. The Baby Bottle and the Bluebird are great choices that have a really good response for voices. I'd recommend those for sure. The Shure SM81 is also a really good microphone. It's a boom mic so it's quite directional for which it can give you a nice tone as well.
Hello, Irene,
Thank you for sharing a new sample with us.
Have you been able to record using another interface? If so, would you mind describing your recording process for us? I can still hear some hiss in the file, particularly noticeable during the resting periods, but present throughout the recording.
Have you had the chance to read this awesome article compiled by Angela? https://help.bunnyinc.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/203418064-Recording-Problems-Hiss-Noise I'm sure it will be useful for future reference as well.
Let us know.
Best,
Hi Oscar. I used a brand-new Focusrite 2i2 with new cables and my existing shur microphone and cloud lifter. I had the levels high enough for the needle to reach but not exceed 0. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.
Great. Thank you for that.
Could you try getting closer to the mic so you can decrease the preamp gain, which might help us avoid picking up those noticeable frequencies? Try to attempt to record at -9dB max, and see if it works for you.
Also, bear in mind that, when recording, the cloud lifter will add around +25dB to your signal, which definitely can have an impact on our issue.
Best,
Oscar
I'm right up on the mic. Here's the latest attempt, with the gain at half. As for the cloud lifter: without it I get a very weak signal. I have not yet tired to record at -9dB. In the meantime:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ffm13pgh0x7aa8n/Sample%20%233%20low%20gain.mp3?dl=0
You don't need to tend to me today. Please enjoy your holiday.
So you said "try to record at -9dB max. Is that "normally" set for -50 or so? Want to make sure I'm making the adjustment in the right place. Also, I can send back this Focusrite 2i2 if you think another interface would be better...please don't be shy about saying, "Buy this one."
Hi Irene!
Thanks for sharing. The hiss noise is still present, but your interface + cloudlifter are a great combo and shouldn't be generating any hiss. Can you let me know which mic you're using? I know it's a Shure, but would you let me know which reference you have? Do you, by any chance, have another mic you can try?
Shure Sm7b. I do not have another mic. Maybe I can borrow one to see if that's then problem. It's at least 15 years old and I travel with it a lot.
Hi Irene,
As Angela mentioned your setup shouldn't be generating so much hiss. If the mic is in perfect working condition, the only other cause of hiss is electrical, it could be that the usb cable is not good or the computer's power source is not properly grounded.
You could try another mic, or try another preamp/audio interface to pinpoint the problem.
Thanks, Sebastian. I experimented with a borrowed mic today and got no hiss. Problem isolated. Now to figure out what mic to buy...any suggestions that will cost me an arm but not a leg?
If hiss is the issue I'd suggest switching to a condenser mic, something like the AKG 214 or the Audio techinca 4040 or 4030 could do the trick. Other brands to consider are Sontronics and Blue.
Agreed with Seb's recommendations, Irene!
I am a huge fan of Blue mics personally so I would go with one from them. The Baby Bottle and the Bluebird are great choices that have a really good response for voices. I'd recommend those for sure. The Shure SM81 is also a really good microphone. It's a boom mic so it's quite directional for which it can give you a nice tone as well.