The audio 1 was recorded with the laptop mike and the Audio 2 was done using a Shure SM57 plugged into my Scarlett 2i2. I have the gain cranked up to 10 on the Scarlett and I am yelling in the mike, and this is the best that I can get.
Any advice on how to boost the gain? (I know how to normalize after recording, but should I have to do this each time?) Thanks for your time.
Most audio interfaces are “optimized” for phantom-powered studio condenser mics which typically have 20dB higher output than a dynamic mic.
The low levels may not be a problem if the quality is OK. You can run the Amplify effect after recording.
Also… If you use a stereo interface but record in mono, Audacity cuts the levels in half (-6dB) so the combined channels don’t go over 0dB.
If you are only using on one input and recording in mono, you can’t exceed -6dB (50%), even the interface itself is maxed-out and clipping (at 0dB).
Assuming you’re only using one input, you can record in stereo and then kill the silent channel after recording to get mono.
Some people use a Cloudlifter with dynamic or ribbon mics.
The Shure SM57/58 is the most popular microphone of all time but it’s mostly used live. In studios it’s usually used close to loud drums and loud guitar amplifiers.
Thanks for the advice. I see now why I have been having this gain issue with Audacity. Truthfully, despite being low, the signal is clean and nice, and I can easily amplify it for good results at the end of the project.
I tried doing a stereo recording just now and the Scarlett gave a me a good solid signal on the left channel and nothing at all on the right. I wonder if the 2nd input records to the right track. I only have one mike lying around right now and can’t easily test it.
Would you recommend that I do my recordings in mono with the -6db or in stereo? Again, thanks so much for the quick and informed reply! (^_^)
