Audacity Forum

Hello there

I need your help or a consultation..
As I understood, it's the good idea to minimize any filtering and modifications of the already digitized record. Once it was recorded in digits, then any filtering will create an extra distortion. So, the more filtering, the more distortions, right?

Then, please, give me a suggestion what USB sound card perfectly fits the communication line between mic and Audacity, to minimize after-record editing?

Please, your recommendation according to the Audacity Lifetime experience..

I am tired of listening either that bad or this bad after recording.

As I understood, it's the good idea to minimize any filtering and modifications of the already digitized record. Once it was recorded in digits, then any filtering will create an extra distortion. So, the more filtering, the more distortions, right?

Well... Digital filtering & processing (equalization, etc.) when done properly doesn't cause non-linear distortion or what's heard as distortion. Although, technically or mathematically you could say any change is "distortion" of the original signal. Virtually all "problems" are on the acoustic & analog side.

But you are right that it's best to get a good recording to begin with so you don't need a lot of processing.

Then, please, give me a suggestion what USB sound card perfectly fits the communication line between mic and Audacity, to minimize after-record editing?

A professional-quality recording starts with a good-quiet "studio".

Next, you need a good microphone. Most professional recording is done with a large diaphragm condenser mic. But in general, any good stage or studio microphone should work.

Stage/studio mics are low-impedance balanced (3-wire) and they do not interface properly with laptops or regular soundards. (And, studio condensers require 48V phantom power which a soundcard won't supply.) You need an audio interface with a proper microphone input.

...And of course you need a good "performance" to record.

vitagoni wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 22, 2018 5:31 pm

... the more filtering, the more distortions ...

Windows can filter audio before it gets to Audacity via "audio enhancements".
If you want a faithful recording you should switch those enhancements off (if they are on)
https://www. thewindowsclub.com/disable-audio-enhancements-windows

There may be enhancements in the recording & playback tabs of Windows sound.