Clicking/Popping - At Wit's End

[AlexErratic]

I should mention. I changed the format to 24-bit PCM, which matches my microphone. Since then, the issue went away for a while but came back randomly. To reiterate, I don't have this issue with other applications.

[AlexErratic]

I've changed USB cables; switched ports; made sure all the settings correlate correctly with my mic; switched from using OS drive (it had little space), so using a drive with over 1TB free and I'm still getting the crackling/skips.

A little help would be appreciated.

[Jasupro]

I am experiencing the same problem. I just listened to your recording and that's exactly what is happening to me. I use Focusrite, Scarlett Solo and my mic is Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR. I am using Windows 10 and Audacity version 2.4.2. I am new to audiobook recording so ALL of this is new to me. I'm wondering if I should try a different mic (any recommendations?). Like you, I am at my wits end.

[steve]

Check that Windows is fully updated and set to check for updates during hours when you don't use the computer.

[Jasupro]

I updated windows and it was needed. I will know if it solved the problem when I do my next recording. Thank you for the advice. But I have recordings that I would like to correct if possible. I read advice here about downloading de-clicker through Nyquist. Now I am at my wits end trying to use Nyquist plug ins. I have read the instructions and I believe I have followed them exactly, but when I press enter I get an error message, "file cannot be found". Any help?

[jademan]

I read advice here about downloading de-clicker through Nyquist. Now I am at my wits end trying to use Nyquist plug ins. I have read the instructions and I believe I have followed them exactly, but when I press enter I get an error message, "file cannot be found". Any help?

So you wouldn't be the only one. There are four (4) steps involved:
1) Download de-Clicker.ny. See here: viewtopic.php?f=42&t=79278
2) Install it: Tools > Nyquist Plug-in Installer... See here: https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/ins ... st_install
3) Enable it: Tools > Add/Remove Plug-ins... See here: https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/man ... yzers.html
4) Run it: Effect > De-Clicker... (It may be in the second set of effects near the bottom).

So, at what point are you getting "file cannot be found" ? Do you want to post a screenshot ?

[Jasupro]

Thank you!

[jademan]

[Jasupro]

Want to report that updating windows solved the clicking! Thank you so much!

Now if I could get some advice on equipment, that would be great! I've had 2 authors tell me that my sound (not my voice) needs improvement. I'm using an "Audio Technica AT2020 Limited Edition Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone", a Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Audio Interface, an EJT Pop Filter Mask Shield, and a Monoprice Isolation Shield. Any of these can still be returned, so I would appreciate any help before I'm stuck with them!

Thanks!

[steve]

"Audio Technica AT2020 Limited Edition Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone", a Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Audio Interface, an EJT Pop Filter Mask Shield, and a Monoprice Isolation Shield.

All sounds good.

I've had 2 authors tell me that my sound (not my voice) needs improvement

Did they say anything specific? For example, does your voice sound distant, boomy, thin, distorted, overloaded, noisy,...
Perhaps worth starting a new topic about voice recording quality and including a short audio sample in WAV or FLAC format.