All of a sudden, whenever I record, the RMS is much too high … anywhere from -14 to -10 db… and I can’t figure out why. I can easily correct it during editing by going to RMS -20 but I’m at a loss as to why this is suddenly happening. I’m using a blue Yeti and the Gain control seems to be right where it’s always been.
Any thoughts/ideas???
Make sure all [u]Windows “enhancements”[/u] are turned OFF. (These may get turned-on automatically when using Skype or Zoom, etc.)
RMS levels are not helpful while recording. You need to watch your peaks to make sure you don’t “try” to go over 0dB and clip (distort). If your digital levels are a little low, that’s not problem.
What he said.
Audacity gets its sound from Windows, not the device or microphone. Skype, Zoom, and others like to change settings to suit themselves and you don’t have anything to say about it.
Make sure they’re closed and not active or napping. You might restart Windows and see if that helps.
Koz
Koz, I re-booted but to no avail
Also check Windows [u]Microphone Boost[/u].
I’m using a blue Yeti and the Gain control seems to be right where it’s always been.
Well, have you tried turning it down? Is there anything wrong with the sound quality?
What are you recording? Your voice? Amplified guitar? The Yeti is supposed to handle levels up to 120dB SPL (LOUD!!!) but the gain control would have to be turned down.
Is Microphone Boost set? Windows has that to make up for weak volume home microphones. That can be a serious volume bump if one of the chat programs turned it on and left it there.
Find the setting in Windows.
In any event, you should be able to turn the Yeti down and get rid of the extra volume.
Koz