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Reactivation of account

  • Johnatan Sanchez #362611690500
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    Hi Tanjia,

    Thanks for your submission, however, I'm noticing some issues with your recording.

    How about you let me know what equipment are you using, how is it set up in your recording space and what kind of processing are you applying to your recordings? Preferrable with pictures if possible, that way we will be able to give a more accurate response and suggestions for fixing the issues. 

    That way we'll have you recording and working again with us in no time!

    Regards

     

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  • Tanja F #812623553
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    Hi Jonathan,

    Thank you very much for your message. I'm using a Neumann TLM103, a MacBook Pro, an RME Fireface 400 soundcard and a vocal booth. I use Abelton live for editing. For this recording I have used a plugin CLA 2, a compressor that gives some warmth, a gate and a de-esser. See picture attached.

    Thanks for your advise! Best regards, Tanja

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  • Johnatan Sanchez #362611690500
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    Hi Tanja,

    Let's talk software, we highly recommend not processing the audio, that means, no use of compressors, gates, denoise, and all of that. We also know that sometimes you might want to use it to clean up or make it sound better, and that's ok if you use it just a little bit, but sometimes, instead of helping the audio, it does just the opposite.

    Here it seems like thats the case, how about you send us a raw recording, with no processing at all to see how it sounds, and see if it really needs all that processing.

    Also, have in mind that if you put all the effort right away from the recording, that being a proper gain, a proper and treated acoustic environment, a good distance from the mic, a right mic placement, you won't need processing at all, and your recordings will be natural and amazing on its own.

    Looking forward to that recording.

     

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  • Tanja F #812623553
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    Hi Johnathan,

    Thanks for your quick reply and feedback!

    I just uploaded the raw file without any plugins https://we.tl/t-bNxLz4z5TQ

    Let me know your thoughts! Thanks! 

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  • Johnatan Sanchez #362611690500
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    Great! Thank you so much for your submission.

    So there are a couple of things we should work on:

    1. Seems like the gain is a little higher than needed, resulting in low-frequency rumble and plosives. Can you try and lower the gain and record once again? 
    2. There might be issues regarding the acoustic treatment, where are you recording, are you doing anything for the acoustic treatment? Can you send us a picture of your recording space? In the meantime let me invite you to this link regarding acoustic treatment https://bit.ly/2MrNsSV.

    Looking forward to your answers 

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  • Tanja F #812623553
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    Hi Johnatan,

    Thank you for your feedback. I use acoustic curtains, and some foams, however reading that blog post, I decided to invest in a reflection filter and treat the floor with carpet (now it's wood). I'm currently abroad and will be back in my home studio beginning of November. I will also try adjusting the gain level. Once I upgraded my studio and back home, I will send you a new audio recording. Thanks for your feedback and keep in touch! 

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  • Johnatan Sanchez #362611690500
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    Tanja glad to hear that, I'll be looking forward to your new recordings. 

    So excited to read about those changes, it's very rewarding to see this kind of situation.

    Best of luck with all the process, I'll be around 

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  • Tanja F #812623553
      0

    Hi Johnatan!

    I'm finally back home and I have upgraded my studio with a reflection filter and I'm using a new preamp ( a Neve simulation).

    I hope you like this new recording. I did use a very slight Deesser and EQ to treat the sound.

    https://we.tl/t-uBnIthjQMM

    Let me know your thoughts! 

    Best regards, Tanja

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  • Johnatan Sanchez #362611690500
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    Hi Tanja, great to hear from you again!

    Ok, so there are a few things we must fix before you can get a go with your work.

    Do you mind sharing with us pictures of your recording setup? and explaining us the process of your recording?

    That is the gain for your mic, the processes you apply to your audio and so on.

    Tho, if I'd had to guess, I think you're recording with more gain than needed, so you could try and lower the gain. Also, if you're using a compressor, you could try and lower the output from it too, because you're getting the signal out too hot, and that's also causing plosives. 

    Also, are you using a pop filter? If you are, then please take a step back from the mic, that could help, as well as placing the mic at a slight angle to prevent the air from hitting directly into the capsule.

    I'm sorry, there's a bit we have to work on, but please don't get discouraged, we're rooting for you!

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  • Tanja F #812623553
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    Hello Johnatan,

    Thanks for your quick reply.

    I'm using a Neumann TLM 103 that goes through a preamp - see picture attached (with the actual gain nob I'm using) and that you were suggesting I should lower ;) . Then I'm using the Fireface 400,see the gain level attached.

    Of course I use a pop filter! I tend to record close to the mic, I have tried various distances multiple times but it's the sound I feel works best for my voice, and I was also given this advise from a professional sound engineer in the studio, because I have a soft voice. Working with the angle is something I should try, thanks for the tip!

    I'll attach the pictures to the next message!

     

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  • Tanja F #812623553
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  • Johnatan Sanchez #362611690500
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    Hi there,

    thanks for sharing those pictures with us, that's very helpful.

    So, this is what I'm reading as your signal flow: Mic -> PreAmp -> Interface [Which comes with a preamp as well] -> DAW. Is that right?

    If so, we could go one of two ways.

    1. You could go straight from the mic to the interface and use the built-in preamp there. You're basically applying that process twice, and it could be more efficient just to use the interface one.
    2. If you really want to use that preamp, then you should try lowering the gain to a point where it doesn't affect your quality. Right now it's at 50, may I suggest lower it to 20/30? And be mindful of gain on the interface as well.

    You could go either way, but as a suggestion, I'd recommend going straight to the interface, but at the end of the day, it's always on your hands, please let me know what you think. 

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