Hi All,
I am new to Audcity and this is my first post. I have a acoutisc guitar with a preamp connected to a interface with a 3.5mm guitar lead, interface then connects to the PC. I have just finished my first recording and was wondering if there is anyway to reduce background noise?
Thanks
Please give more details.
What sort of interface? (make/model number/if possible, a link to the manufacturers web site).
What sort of pre-amp?
Which version of Audacity? (The FULL version number. Look in “Help > About Audacity”).
What settings do you have in Audacity, in particular in the Device Toolbar and the Mixer Toolbar.
Which version of Windows?
What sort of background noise? (hum, hiss, whistling, radio 4, the kids next door?)
Any other information to clarify what you are doing and what is happening.
What sort of interface? (make/model number/if possible, a link to the manufacturers web site).
Creative Audigy ZS
What sort of pre-amp?
Maton Guitars Australia MP5 Amp
Which version of Audacity? (The FULL version number. Look in “Help > About Audacity”).
1.3.14-Beta
What settings do you have in Audacity, in particular in the Device Toolbar and the Mixer Toolbar.
Audio Host: Windows DirectSound
Output Device: Primary Sound Driver
Input Device: Primary Sound Capture Driver
Which version of Windows?
7
What sort of background noise? (hum, hiss, whistling, radio 4, the kids next door?)
I guess it’s more of a gapspace between the tracks and what you are listening too. Kinda like the recorded music isn’t taking all the space, isn’t strong enough. if that makes any sence.
Any other information to clarify what you are doing and what is happening.
I think the notes aren’t as clear as they could be, and the overall mix is that strong. Wether thats the sound card(which admittleyis a few years old) or a setting on the interface or in Audcity i am not sure.
You’re probably going to have a bit of trouble getting a really good recording with that set-up because the output of the guitar input is what is often referred to as “instrument level”. “Instrument level” is not an official standard, but the typical output from a guitar is quite a bit less than “line level” (the level of CD players and the like) and a lot higher than “Mic level” (the signal level of a microphone).
I believe the Creative Audigy ZS offers both “Line” and “Mic” inputs.
The Mic input is likely to be a lot too sensitive, and probably quite noisy (hiss).
The Line level is likely to be a bit too insensitive, which will give you a weak (low level) recording, but may be the better option.
Ensure that you have a good (reasonably new) battery in your guitar pre-amp, and turn the guitar volume up to maximum.
Check the Recording Input levels for the Line-in device and ensure they are turned up to a high level (see here: http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Mixer_Toolbar_Issues#vistacp )
Set Audacity to record from “Line In” rather than “Primary”.
You should be aiming for a peak level in Audacity of around half the track height (-6 dB).
After recording, you can boost the level of the track closer (but not exceeding) 0 dB by using the Amplify effect (Effect menu).
Does that help?
Please describe your results in fine detail (I can’t see your machine).
Thanks for the tips the recording is good now.