Poor playback....?

Hi I’ve just started learning how to record my piano keyboard but being my first attempt I’ve no idea why it sounds so muffled etc. so appreciate any advice, thanks :slight_smile:

I can’t listen right now 'cause I’m at work…

But, how are you recording? With the microphone built-into your laptop? An external microphone? If it’s an external mic, what make/model? A direct connection from line-out or headphone-out to line-in on your soundcard? A direct connection to mic-in, on a laptop or soundcard?

A direct connection from line-out or headphone-out to line-in on a regular soundcard (desktop or tower computer) is usually best. With a headphone-output, you’ll need a Y-Adapter (splitter) to connect headphones/speakers and the computer at the same time. If you have a laptop with no line-in you can get an external USB audio interface with line-inputs. (Don’t get a regular “USB soundcard” because they are like laptops with only mic-in and headphone-out.

Yes straight into the laptop mikes…

Mic-In or built-in microphone connection on most laptops is designed for chat or conferencing. If you plug anything else in, you could get any of a list of sound damages.

I have a straight analog sound mixer and I use a Behringer UCA-202 to connect to my computer. My music keyboard would work, too.

It works very well and isn’t expensive. I have two.

It also has the advantage of being certified for Audacity overdubbing/sound-on-sound should you get the insane desire to play three part harmony to yourself.

Koz

Thanks I used on this recording a Sony hand held recorder which sounds a bit better but still a booming sound for some reason ?

Well, that’s better…

I don’t know what you’re hearing with your ears, so I can’t tell how accurate that recording is. You might try changing the microphone position, moving the recorder closer-or farther from the keyboard’s speakers.

Can you record your voice clearly, or does it come-out muffled & “boomy” too? (Directional mics will boost the bass if you get close and the mics on your portable recorder are probably directional.)

You can also try some bass-treble adjustment or equalization. (That would be done in Audacity after recording.)

But, you really should be recording with a direct-electrical connection instead of recording acoustically with a microphone. I assume your portable recorder doesn’t have a line-level input option?

The speakers built-into keyboards usually aren’t great… They usually aren’t made for “real live performance” sound. And, I’m sure you’re not recording in a “good space” such as a music hall or a soundproof recording studio. :wink:

The microphones built-into those modern solid-state recorders usually aren’t bad if you’ve got good sound in a good room with good microphone position, but the mics (and preamps) built into laptops are usually not good enough for quality recording.