noise problem

[steve]

Thanks for the feedback Utix.

I still think that the noise level is a bit high for something that is described as a "studio condenser microphone", but I suppose for the price it is not unreasonable. When you record, if you can maximise the amount of sound that is being picked up you should get a noticeable improvement. For recording vocals it is common to use the microphone quite close to the vocalist, and use a "pop shield" to prevent the vocalist from blowing on the microphone.

[kozikowski]

That looks like the Sennheiser that I have. That's an analog microphone as is this one...

http://kozco.com/tech/audacity/wynonna2.jpg

I recently recorded a professional announcer that stood six inches from the pop filter and performed as if he was playing to the third row, fourth balcony. "NOW, FROM THE COMPANY THAT BROUGHT YOU THE AWARD-WINNING..."

The microphone didn't overload, although I could tell it wanted to. You get into trouble when you're a newbie announcer or singer in addition to a newbie recordist. That combination along with a USB microphone designed to keep you out of trouble by not overloading can give you a "gentle" recording. Effect > Amplify is your friend. If the noise comes up too much when you do that, then you need to juggle somewhere. Perhaps you got the wrong microphone, or perhaps you're using a very noisy room. Our joke is that in the entire three story building, there is a four-square foot area in one room quiet enough for recording. And that one's only OK.

Koz