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
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.
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.