Help Removing an Echo?
Hello VB team!
My recording area is a closet (4x3 ft), and I've padded it with foam toppers and moving blankets. I also put my mic inside one of those cheap portable vocal booths. I have a Rode NT1KIT mic that I just bought to try out.
Here is my submission: https://soundcloud.com/aron-semle/final
My ear isn't well trained, but I trust there is echo there, and I'm wondering what I can do to remove it? I just bought some more Acoustic Panels Foam Wedges to add more padding. It's a pretty small space, and I'm wondering if maybe the closet isn't ideal?
One thing I noticed is that if I'm speaking in the middle of the closet, I don't hear the echo as much. If I speak towards the wall on one side (where my mic was in the recording), it seems more prominent.
Any ideas/tips would be awesome. Thank you!
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Thank you for sharing your work, Aron!
First of all, I think the sound is quite opaque and boxy. The closet in which you're recording is definitely having an impact on your sound. Perhaps the vocal booth you're using is not working properly. Have you tried the Kaotica Eyeball? It definitely helps when you don't have an appropriate recording space.
You might want to take a look at our article about acoustic treatment.
Are you using any processing (e.g.compression, noise reduction)? It would be ideal if you can share a raw file with us.
Remember to normalize it to -3dB because it sounds a bit too low.
Hi Aron
I agree with Oscar's comments. The recording sounds opaque and quite boxy. There are almost no reflections, but it lacks life and high frequencies. This could be because your space is over treated. It's a good idea to try changing your mic technique and removing maybe one of the blankets or foam padding.
Also, I have to say I have seen various Pros use the Rode NT1 and NT1A and, they always have issues related to the frequency response. I believe the mic is built in a way that the resulting frequency response is too middy and somehow muddy lacking life. Is there a way for you to try a different microphone with your preamplifier to see if the situation improves?
I can try a different mic. I have the Rode NT1 on loan, so no problem sending it back. Is there another mic within the $350 and down range you'd recommend?
I did use a noise gate to remove some of the -50db and down noise, but I can try it without that. I'll also up the gain to get to -3db.
I ordered some more foam panels, but I can try removing some of the treatment and see if that helps. Thank you for the ideas!
For a bit more than that you can get the Shure SM7B. That's an amazing one and would be ideal if you could try it out before buying it.
Hi Aaron
I really like the Shure SM7B that Oscar recommended, but as it's a dynamic mic, it requires a Cloud-Lifter or an external preamplifier to work without having to use too much gain and generating hiss in your interface. So I'd recommend going for a condenser instead.
I own an Audio-Technica AT-2035 and it has an awesome response. I'm also a big fan of Blue mics as well and I would recommend the Baby Bottle! There are also some AKG around that price point so it could be worth a look. If you can try them before purchasing them it would be ideal. My voice is quite different from yours so the mics may perform differently.
I thought this was the case, but thank you for clarifying. I'm currently getting some owens corning 4" acoustic foam to better treat the space and then I'll try a new mic. It's fun learning along the way, and this forum is a huge help!
We're glad you're finding our suggestions useful!
Let us know once you've recorded in your new space.