Audacity 1.3.12+M Audio Fast Track Pro recording is erratic

[GregJones]

I have been doing vocabulary (language) recordings in a home studio environment using a condensor mic, M Audio Fast Track Pro sound card and Audacity running on XP. Initially we used 1.2 and only recently moved to 1.3.12. Sound editing is done on a separate XP machine using Audacity 1.3.12. This setup has been used on and off for more than 2 years.

The issue I have experienced recently, for no specific reason, is fluctuations in the quality of the sound recordings. We will setup the studio - mic+stand+home-made pop filter,sound card and laptop - and record a batch of words. This will then be dismantled and reset up again either a day or a week later and the quality changes.

We are diligent about using the same setting both on the soundcard as well as on the laptop (Audacity + audio properties). Also about removing electronic and other noise making devices.

The quality issues we have are with the sound coming out as if it were recorded in a telephone booth, i.e. distant and echoing. We also have the issue of a low hum.

The frustrating thing is that one day it is great and the next we have issues.

Any ideas ?

[justinburnett]

Well the first question would be does the quality change on the recording machine, or just on the mixing machine? From your description of the sound coming out, my first thought would actiually be something very simple -- check that your speakers are fully plugged into the machine. A plug only partially seated produces sound just like you describe. It may not be your problem, but it's an easy thing to check.