Mic noise - computer

[Bill-in-CT]

I am using an Audio-Technica AT804 microphone, a sound card that came with a Sony Vaio computer and Adobe Audition. How can I get rid of the microphone noise? I don't want to use Audition's noise reduction feature because it adversely affects the speech quality. Thanx.

 

[dillyllama]

This is just a quick fix for after the fact, but try using a noise gate. Start with the presets in "dynamics processing" under the "effects -> amplitude" tab in audition. Adjust the threshold to close the gate in the spaces where you're not speaking. If you apply compression, do it before the gate. Otherwise, you'll just exaggerate the "gated" sound.

 

[jefflaurence]

Had the same problem trying to use the "sound card" in a Dell Laptop. Bottom line is that you NEED an external sound card. Has it got a PC card slot? There is a neat sound card made by Digigram called VXPocket th fits right in the PCMCIA card slot, and has a breakout cable for XLR mic inputs, and Line inputs..about 500 bucks..I might have one laying around that you could have for less.

I am using a USB external mic preamp called "USB Pre" made by Sound Devices..it has mic inputs and headset outputs with a mixer to mix the output (playback) of Adobe Audition, and your actual mic input. There are cheaper ones made by Edirol I think..and M-Audio. That one was around 500 bucks also.

The stock sound cards in computers, especially laptops are not meant for audio production and are likely to pickup hard-drive whine as well as other spurious RF energy emitted by the laptop..not to mention wireless WiFi systems in many of the newer ones.

External sound card will be the fix.

 

[Goat Rodeo Cowboy]

> Had the same problem trying to use the "sound card" in a
> Dell Laptop. Bottom line is that you NEED an external sound
> card.

The external sound card, and a GOOD one in the ultimate answer.

If you are just getting started and you need a quick fix that gets you some traction for least amount of money spent, there may be another suggestion. You didn't mention a pre-amp in your original post. If you are using the mic input on a consumer grade sound card, get some kind of preamp PRONTO.

Even the crummy built in sound cards do a respectable job when you feed line level in. Most consumer cards that have a mic input expect one of those computer store computer mics with a small amplifier built in that gives maybe a 20 db boost to the mic. Feed your mic in raw at 20 db below what the card was designed for and you are going to get all kinds of noise. Many of those mic inputs put out a voltage to drive the expected computer store mic amplifier. This voltage fed out to an anticipated unbalanced input is often part of the noise.

Been there. Done that. Got the tee-shirt.

Goat Rodeo Cowboy... a.k.a. GRcowboy

 

[Bill-in-CT]

> The external sound card, and a GOOD one in the ultimate
> answer.
>
> If you are just getting started and you need a quick fix
> that gets you some traction for least amount of money spent,
> there may be another suggestion. You didn't mention a
> pre-amp in your original post. If you are using the mic
> input on a consumer grade sound card, get some kind of
> preamp PRONTO.
>

Thanks everyone. What do you recommend for a preamp or external sound card? I'm doing voice work for a cable access channel at home because it's convenient for me. Can't afford anything expensive.

 

[Goat Rodeo Cowboy]

> Thanks everyone. What do you recommend for a preamp or
> external sound card? I'm doing voice work for a cable
> access channel at home because it's convenient for me.
> Can't afford anything expensive.
>
Let me offer a suggestion that is at the bottom end of the scale. Your local music store/guitar store may have a Behringer Eurorack 602A or comparable. Two mike inputs. Two line level inputs. Gets you started for maybe $60.

Most people who participate here will moan and groan at this suggestion but it sounds like you are on a learning curve. Maybe your local store will let you have a trial run with opportunity to return it if this doesn't solve you noise problem.

Audio Buddy is another preamp in the under $100 price range if you can find it in your area.

Knowing that you are working with a less than ideal sound card and a less than ideal preamp gives you a mental pressure to learn to bring out the very best in your voice to overcome any less-than-perfect technical chain. Depending on your cable company, you may deliver a better recording to them than they have equipment to run it through.

Get 'em, Tiger!