Best Tips On Background Noise

In the home studio or micro-studio, noise is certainly a factor in producing great results, especially in music production. Here a just a few tips to consider when it comes to noise.

1] In voiceovers and readings where the final product will be dry, with no background, always record a rather 'hot' track, meaning peaks that nearly reach the upper limit. In today's digital recording, that upper limit is zero dB, in analog equipment use +3 dB.

2] In most music tracks, and wherever possible, plug directly into the recorder instead of using an open microphone. But note that not all acoustic instruments equipped with a transducer, like guitars, will produce as good sound quality as a typical studio mic, so decide which to trade off, noise or fidelity.

3] Remember when using any open mic, that some background noise, including hisses and low frequency rumbles, can be simply lost in the final mix by noise level reduction or some quick EQ notch processing, if needed.

Truth is, much of what we take seriously as the tracks are laid, hardly comes out in the final mix, anyway. It is hardly worth sweating over.

To prove my point, listen closely to the digital mix downs (on CD) of ANYTHING recorded in the 60's or 70's. In these days of analog multi-track, we never heard any weird stuff on those records. But today we can, if we listen closely, hear a LOT of what we might call mistakes on nearly EVERY MULTIMILLION DOLLAR RECORD.

So maybe it just doesn't matter as much as we think.

POP goes the digital recording

Let's face it...

'POP goes the digital recording' is NOT a good thing.

In analog recording often a spike past zero dB on the meter was a GOOD thing. Because of the level loss in the transfer to magnetic tape, I would usually set the peaks to rise to +3 dB! But in the digital studio....

There is no way to allow the signal to come CLOSE to that zero mark, or you are asking for an audio meltdown. And not just a melt down in the track being recorded, either. I have often seen this spike feed over into other channels already recorded (or is it my imagination?)

Anyway here are two tips to optimize the recording of every track that will get the best results without much of a chance of these ugly POP crisis happening.

1. Set the peaks at around -9dB. I know this sounds like we are recording at a very low volume, but in the digital realm, we always have the option to increase the volume by any level we want, or even gate out the hum/buzz/background 'air' if we choose. No longer is it important to get a first recording at the highest levels possible. I like that.
2. For vocals, and wind instruments use a pop filter so you can get near proximity to the mic as you record. If you are a regular reader, you will know I am a strong proponent of recording a dry track CLOSE to the mic and adding 'the digital room' in post-production. Always better results through better control.

So there you go. Two great ways to improve your recordings dramatically. Now if you find that [1] above doesn't work out well because of a lack of presence, chances are you need to upgrade your studio mic to a good large-diaphram type. My favorite place to shop for them is here.

And concerning the pop filter [2] mentioned, let me save you $40 bucks or so. Make your own from a pair of your lady's panty hose stretched over a round wire. When placed right in front of the mic, it works every bit as well as any overpriced filter from the audio tech store. I used a craft 'embroidering' hoop that cost less than a dollar, and looks very professional.

Now go make music, GB,
-Jack Sanner

Home Recording Studio Resource

Here's a new lens at Squidoo that discusses much of what we do here.

Also this page includes some nice resources for the Home Recording Studio and a place to sound off, too.

Check it out at http://www.squidoo.com/home-recording-studio.

Testing...Testing...

You've found us! Sit down, we've got lots to talk about.

First off, let me introduce myself. I'm Jack Sanner, that awesome, terrific, stupendous, and very humble person (a great-guy-once-you-get-to-know-me) that hails from just outside of Pittsburgh, PA USA. Google me for all the details.

My micro-studio has been active for over 15 years, going from a 4-track cassette tape (remember those?) to a full digital in PC recording deck.

I've been around a while, have some strong opinions, and lots of experience...

...so let's talk.
-Jack

PS: comment here & we'll discuss the topics YOU want to here.