When I minister the sound everything looks fine, and when I’m recording it looks fine. After I’m done recording, and listen back to it the recording is extremely quiet. I have my recording volume on max and even put on +30 decibels boost from the control panel. I know there’s other topics similar to this on the forum but I seriously need help, and I haven’t really been able to fix the problem by going through those. Any help would be severely appreciated. I’m on windows 10 btw
I’m on windows 10 btw
It can’t be “by the way.” We need the Windows version, the Audacity numbered version, the microphone type and model number and how you have it connected to your computer and what the computer is.
We have to build your system in our heads and we need enough good quality information to do that.
Koz
Windows 10.0.15063 build 15063
Audacity 2.1.3
Microphone is BM-800 condenser mic https://www.walmart.com/ip/Condenser-Microphone-Recording-Mic-with-Shock-Mount/963956425
Connected by the audio jack in my laptop
Laptop is Aspire ES1-533 from Acer https://www.target.com/p/acer-aspire-es1-533-c55p-notebook-midnight-black-es1-533-c55p/-/A-52151901#lnk=sametab
The instructions for the microphone say that it needs 48 volt phantom power to work perfectly. It is intended to plug into a sound mixer or any other device that will supply that voltage. This is the 48 volt switch on a Peavey (for example) sound mixer.
The instructions also say it will work plugged into a computer soundcard, but maybe not well. The volume will be very low or the microphone may not work at all. This is from the instructions.
- This is a Condenser Microphone only work with the device that could provide enough power for it.
When connected with desktop computer, the Condenser Microphone could be used alone;
When connected with laptop computer, please connect the laptop to electrical outlet, or use a 48V phantom power to get enough power if the sound is not clear and high enough.- If your device could not provide enough power(When used with Amplifier or Mixer,etc.), the sound volume recorded might be low, and please use a extra 48V phantom power adapter to connect it.(phantom power adapter is not included)
This is one adapter.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PS400
You connect the microphone with an XLR cable…
…to the adapter, plug it all in, and connect the adapter to your computer with the cable you already have.
It may still not be perfect because the soundcard in most computers is just OK—not great, but it should work a lot better than what you have.
What is the purpose of the recording? There can be Windows settings that need changing depending on what you’re doing.
Koz
Consult the instructions where you bought the microphone. They may have a 48 volt phantom power adapter they recommend.
Koz
Quick note, I don’t have one of these microphones, but if you connect it properly, I expect it to work. Depending on what you’re doing, you may elect to send it back and start over. Give us an idea of your goals.
Koz
Koz you are extremely helpful thank you so much. I will try his with my desktop PC and if that doesn’t work I’ll get back to you. My laptop is plugged in when I was using the mic but it is somewhat of a budget laptop so I can see it not working the best. I’m trying to use this microphone to record my rap vocals. The microphone came with an XLR cable, that’s how it plugs into the audio jack. The cable it comes with goes from the bottom of the microphones as an xlr port and ends with a 3.5 mm jack that goes into the laptops audio jack.
There is voltage at the computer soundcard connection intended for computer microphones, but it’s only 5 volts, not 48 volts. That was intended for one of these (for example).
Not a larger performance microphone.
The instructions are a little slippery when they say there may be problems connecting using that direct cable. I don’t expect it to work well at all. Not recommended.
Koz
I’ve just moved and haven’t set up desktop yet but I’ll post the computer I have in hopes you know if the soundcard will work better. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/cybertronpc-borg-709-desktop-amd-fx-series-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-blue/4848817.p?skuId=4848817&ref=212&loc=1&ksid=e0e9344c-a5f0-406b-b8c8-8825d7f026f3&ksprof_id=8&ksaffcode=pg199028&ksdevice=m&lsft=ref:212,loc:2
If it’ll work better with that great, if not then I may have to return it or find a cheap 48 volt power thingy
That’s not the only way to do it. I own and like one of these.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UM2usb
It’s a proper microphone amplifier, interface, USB connection and it will supply 48 volts.
The voice does not go through the second class computer soundcard.
As a side feature, it’s one of the devices certified for perfect music overdubbing. Listen to the backing track in your headphones and sing or play new tracks, as many as you want.
And just because I can see the storm clouds gathering… It’s a lovely computer, but it can’t make any noise if it’s in the same room with you. Not kidding. If you can walk into the room and tell the computer is on by listening, it’s not going to make a good recording partner.
I know Audacity has noise reduction tools, but it’s very highly recommended not to use them.
Koz
Well koz, I just went against my better judgement and bought that thing off Sweetwater like you suggested. I can’t thank you enough for how helpful you’ve been, and you reply so quick. It’s been a bit crazy trying to get a mic, even though I only have 17 followers on soundcloud I wanted to upgrade my quality a bit so I tried buying a microphone. First time, I got scammed out of $30, that’s why I made sure to go with Walmart for the next try since they’re reputable. Then this whole mess where I thought I was a bit screwed happened, but you were really professional and helped me through this whole thing. In total I’ve spent about $80, so hopefully the increase in sound quality is noticeable. Thanks you again, I hope you get satisfaction from helping people cuz you’ve helped me immensely. Have a good one dude.
Ps. You’re right, the desktop has 2 fans and is insanely loud, sometimes you can hear it from across the house
My old laptop had a fan where the bearing was beginning to fail - making nasty grinding noises.
I upgraded recently to a new W10 laptop which has a 256GB SSD and a 1TB spinning metal disk.
Because I now do all the real work OS, apps and live data all on the SSD - the laptop is extremely quiet and runs very cool (I use the 1TB as a sort of off-line storage for less frequent used files like my iTunes libraries and my photographs).
Working on large projects (two hours plus which I do a lot) the SSD also makes Audacity run insanely fast compared to the old laptop.
WC