Subject:recording with mic settings

Posted by: joejon

Date:6/21/2014 7:12:47 PM

I usually use my desktop for my audio processing but my son wants to use the laptop instead so I plugged a mic into the laptop and recorded using Sound Forge. There is a lot of noise (static like) in the recording. I don't know if this is normal or if there are some settings I need to look at and change. Any suggestions?

Subject:RE: recording with mic settings

Reply by: Chienworks

Date:6/21/2014 9:26:07 PM

It is possible that the laptop just has really awful sound circuitry. I would never record direct mic-to-laptop, ever. The built in mic inputs on all of my laptops are pure garbage. I use an external mixer and an analog->digital converter into the USB port.

The mic inputs on my desktops aren't much better, so i still use something similar with those too.

Subject:RE: recording with mic settings

Reply by: rraud

Date:6/22/2014 10:49:34 AM

There are many affordable USB interfaces that include a 'decent' mic preamp(s)..

Subject:RE: recording with mic settings

Reply by: joejon

Date:6/23/2014 11:29:51 AM

Thanks for the information. I don't need anything too elaborate. Could you recommend and interface/converter model or at least a good brand? Do I need a mixer also or just the usb interface?

Subject:RE: recording with mic settings

Reply by: rraud

Date:6/23/2014 1:42:32 PM

M-Audio, Echo, MOTU.. to name a few. Most would agree to stay away from consumer gear, look for a pro or semi-pro interface designed for music production. You shouldn't need an external mixer if your recording directly to a computer. Obviously if your planning on recording with more than one mic at a time you'll need multiple preamps and a 'multi track' audio application to record, overdub and mix multiple tracks like ProTools, Sonar, Vegas, Audition, Reaper and Audacity. (the latter two are low cost and/or free)
FWIW, Sound Forge is 'multichannel', not 'multitrack'.

Subject:RE: recording with mic settings

Reply by: joejon

Date:6/23/2014 2:52:39 PM

Thanks for the info. I have Vegas Pro 13 for multi track recording. I agree that I should get something of good quality but this is for personal use so I don't need a professional interface, semi-pro would be okay. I don't even know what to look for. Do you know of any decent models I could take a look at?

Subject:RE: recording with mic settings

Reply by: Geoff_Wood

Date:6/23/2014 5:37:15 PM

How much do you want to spend ? I recently got a Presonus FireStudio unit for 'compact' recording situations.

geoff

Subject:RE: recording with mic settings

Reply by: joejon

Date:6/23/2014 8:23:56 PM

I checked the price of the Presonus FireStudio unit and it's almost $400. That's too much for me. I'm looking for something between $100 up to $250. My son will be recording his piano, drum and flute pieces separately, then combining them. Any other suggestions for interfaces?

Subject:RE: recording with mic settings

Reply by: rraud

Date:6/24/2014 9:51:41 AM

A quick search shows a few in your price range: The PreSonus AudioBox USB 2x2 USB Recording Interface and the (discontinued) M-Audio MobilePre USB. Both have two mic preamps w/ Phantom Power available for condenser mics. I have used a client's MobilePre and had no complaints with the sound, the driver installation took a couple of tries as I recall, but this was a while ago and don't recall the OS, we were also in a rush as showtime was approaching. I have not used the PreSonus but suspect it would suit your needs as well.

Subject:RE: recording with mic settings

Reply by: joejon

Date:6/24/2014 3:12:19 PM

After looking at the suggestions and doing a little research I came up with a list of possible units.
Presonus Audiobox USB 2x2 $109
Prosonus Audiobox 22VSL $200
M-Audio M-Track 2-channel $100
Roland UA-22 Duo-Capture EX $200
Roland Tri-Capture $130
Mackie Onyx Blackjack $150

If anyone has any experience with any of these units or has any input about them please let me know. Thanks for your help.

Subject:RE: recording with mic settings

Reply by: musicvid10

Date:6/25/2014 7:25:43 AM

Get a Zoom h-series.
It's a quality mic/recorder and USB interface with good bal/unbal inputs.

Subject:RE: recording with mic settings

Reply by: joejon

Date:6/25/2014 11:37:29 AM

I think I might go with the M-Audio M-Track. They have a regular 2 channel model and a Plus model with Digital I/O (I don't know what that would be for and if I would need it). It looks like in the specs the Roland and Mackie don't have MIDI so I ruled those out in case my son wants that feature. The other one I'm still looking at also is the Presonus Audiobox. Reviews are so mixed on all the units it's hard to compare.

Subject:RE: recording with mic settings

Reply by: joejon

Date:6/26/2014 1:10:19 PM

Ordered the M-Audio M-Track Plus. I think that will meet my needs. Thanks for all the help.