every time I try to record there’s a static noise in the background and I don’t know what’s causing it. I’ve tried recording in multiple different locations, using different computers to record, and adjusting the gain on my mic but the sound is still there. I’m not sure if the problem is with audacity or my setup. I use an astin origin and a motu m2 if that helps.
Constant hiss or “shhh”, or hum, buzz or whine is analog or acoustic noise. There is always SOME acoustic noise in the room and SOME noise from the preamp in your interface. Preamp noise is usually hiss. Your MOTU shouldn’t have an objectional amount of noise as long as you have a strong signal (loud enough and fairly close to the mic) (1) for a strong signal-to-noise ratio. Turning the gain up or down usually affects the signal and noise together so it doesn’t usually affect the signal-to-noise ratio.
…Consumer soundcards are often noisy, plus they aren’t compatible with “pro” stage/studio mics.
Acoustic room noise is a lot more noticeable in the recording than “live” with the noise coming from many directions, or at-least a different location.
If you are getting intermittent clicks, ticks, or crackle, that might be a dropouts caused by interrupts and multi-tasking. Your operating system is ALWAYS multitasking and interrupting, even if you’re only running one application. There are buffers to keep the audio flowing smoothly in-and-out but if something “hogs” the system for too long you get buffer overflow (recording) or buffer underflow (playback).
(1) You probably already know this, but you have a directional side-address microphone. Make sure you are speaking/singing into the front side, not the end or back side.
Your definition of static may be different from mine, or someone else.
Upload a few seconds of it to show exactly what you mean.
Thank you for the feedback so far. just in case here is a sample of the static.
I appreciate the feedback but I’m having a bit of a hard time understanding how to fix the problem. I replied earlier with a recording of the static and was wondering if you had any thoughts on it
That sounds like normal preamp noise. A better interface MIGHT have less noise but I doubt the MOTU is worse than average.
I don’t think it’s acoustic room noise since you said it doesn’t go-away when you turn-down the gain.
A stronger signal should help (a better signal-to-noise ratio). Of course that means re-recording.
Or you can try some Noise Reduction. But noise reduction can have side effects and sometimes, “the cure can be worse than the disease”.
I have not tried the new AI Noise Suppression. You can find other AI noise reduction if you search the Internet.
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