Audio Equipment: External Hardware Unit or Software

Apr 10, 2010, 09:51 PM

Hello Folks - I am trying to figure out why I get background noise on my audio tracks.  I have tried plugging my microphone into a mixer and then the mixer into my line on the computer, but the humming noise is still there.  So, my other idea was to purchase an external 4 track unit to record audio tracks and then transfer the tracks to my DAW.

If there is anybody ‘out there’ who has any experience with recording audio tracks and sharing some tech notes, I would be very grateful for your time.

Thank you.

Cathy

Apr 13, 2010, 12:06 PM

Background noise and Humming doesn’t quite describe what you’re hearing.  You need to determine the source of the noise.  Is it eminating from your computer, like fan noise? Or could it be a problem with your mixer? Are you sure you plugged into the Line In port? What kind of mic are you using? Are the gains set properly on your mixer? your recording software?  There are so many possibilities that no one can propose a solution without more info.

As for purchasing a new recorder, unless you’re looking to just put ideas to tape quickly, I always recommend using a computer based DAW.  The computer is so much more capable of getting your tunes to sound the way you want.  I definitely recommend not using your computer’s sound card and to purchase a dedicated audio interface.  Depending on what you’re doing, a simple 2-channel USB interface would be fine. Perhaps one with Mic Pre’s built in so you don’t need the mixer.  They usually start about $100usd. ( I never use more than 2 channels at one time!!)

hope this helps,

Apr 14, 2010, 06:46 AM

Hi Dave 6,

Thank you for your reply.  I think the noise is coming from my computer.  I already have a DAW.  However, I have purchased a new microphone and I am unable to plug that directly into my computer since the plug is a 3 point plug.  So, to solve that problem and to conduct a ‘trial and error’ test on noise level, I am using an external mixer.

I have looked online at audio interface and I am still unclear to the functions.  From what I understand, I can plug my microphone and my guitar into the box (interface) and then plug the interface into my computer.  What I am unsure of is the process from the interface to the computer.  Does the interface have the capability to record audio and/or guitar tracks and save them in the unit?  Is there a built in microphone thus rendering my brand new one useless?  If so, is the interface microphone of better quality than my Shure SM58?  I assume that if I can record and save tracks, then I can transport the data to my DAW. 

Thanks again!

Cathy

Apr 14, 2010, 09:57 AM

Hi Cathy,

The SM58 should be good at rejecting noise from your computer. Just point the back of it towards your computer, it will be in the null of the mic.

What DAW are you using? Cubase, sonar, etc…?

As to your questions about the audio interface….  yes, it’s sole purpose is to get your audio into your computer so you can record using something like Cubase.  I highly, highly recommend you not use the built in soundcard on your computer.  It is not designed for recording and will give you less than stellar results.  Those soundcards are built using about $0.50 worth of parts.  Although it might sound okay with one or two tracks, the more you add to your song, the more noise will be incorporated into the audio, kind of like stacking, until it becomes noticeable.

With a good audio interface, you’ll be able to plug your SM58 into one channel and your guitar into another. Most interfaces will have a Hi-Z input for plugging your guitar.  No built-in mics on interfaces, but most have mic pre’s and you alrady have a 58.  The 58 is adequate for vocals (i used one sometimes), I wouldn’t use it to record an acoustic guitar.

There is a steep learning curve with most DAW programs, but once you over it, you’ll find your productivity is unbounded. I don’t think the same with stand alone recorders. What you get is what you get. ha ha ha

Hope this helps,
Dave

Apr 14, 2010, 05:01 PM

Hi Dave 6,

I think I found the ‘perfect’ audio interface (for me):

http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=products.family&ID=FWinterfaces

So, I plug my microphone and guitar into the interface; plug the interface to my computer; record my parts which then, gets ‘processed’ through the interface and goes straight to my DAW which is armed for recording….

The daw I use is, Sonar LE, the entry level one; it came with my purchase of my Samson microphone.  I want to purchase a better one, maybe Cubase or Reason.  Not sure if I want to keep with Cakewalk/Sonar.

Thanks Dave 6!!!!!!!!!!!

Cathy

Apr 14, 2010, 11:13 PM

I’m not sure what interface you’re lookingat in that link, but yeah, something along those lines. Anything is better than you computer soundcard.

Sonar LE should be just as good as Cubase or Reason. They all do pretty much the same thing.  If you’re just doing guitars and vocals, you don’t need much.  Most of the “Lite” versions of DAW’s are pretty extensive and could do most everything you need without upgrading.  So, if money is an issue, you might consider holding off on a purchase and give Sonar LE a try.  If money is not an issue, you can send me a check to this addresssssss…........

just kidding….  8*)

good luck and have fun,

Apr 15, 2010, 08:29 AM

Hi Dave 6 - What is your address??  :-)

The audio interface that I am looking at is the FireWire Solo.  It’s basic and it looks easy to use.

On a related note to all this:  I have used Sonar LE many times and I have a problem dragging clips or copy and pasting clips to a different track.  On the track view, it looks good, but when I play them after dragging them into the same track, the don’t play back.  I don’t understand why if I cut and past or copy and paste from one track to another why the program doesn’t play the dragged items.  Also, the program does not convert from wav to Mp3.  I also have the Magix program which is easier to drag clips, and convert to Mp3, but I do not use it as much either.  Maybe I should.

I have tried the midi too, but I’m totally lost one that.  I have managed to create two tracks of midi, but it sounds ‘mechanical’ and not as smooth. 

OK, thanks for everything and you have helped clarify some things for me which is greatly appreciated.  :-)

Cathy