There's a simple problem with my current mixer: it's not grounded, therefore, the microphone hisses. The hiss really comes out (for obvious reasons) when the audio is compressed. I've spent hours trying to find a way to manipulate the audio to get rid of the noise, but after much exploratory tweaking, I've come up with nothing. It could just be that I'm missing something, but as far as I know, I've exhausted all of my options there.Short of buying a new mixer, which I can't afford right now, does anyone have any ideas?
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The noise is driving me CRAZY!!!
- Thread starter jcolletta275
- Start date
U
uppendowndadial
Guest
What kind of board? Which mic? What kind of pre-amp? How do you process it? Let us know, and I'm sure someone can help you find a solution
Right now I'm just using a Gemini PMX-120 DJ mixer with a pre-amp built in. The mic is an Audio-Technica ATR-30. All the processing is done in Audition.
U
uppendowndadial
Guest
My first thought would be the mic pre. Look around, you might be able to find an affordable one. Be sure to check Sweetwater and B&H in NYC. Along with that, I'd look at the sound card. When I first built my studio, I was using a DMAN card. It sounded ok, but it had a buzz whenever I did something dry. A couple of years ago I swallowed hard and bought an Antex card, but it makes a WORLD of difference. Maybe you could swap out the card and see if there's any reduction in noise. You're going to have to zero in on it before you can fix it. Good luck!
I know for a fact it's the preamp. The hiss is only there when the mic toggle on the mixer is flipped on. Since I can't currently afford a new one, I'm just wondering if there's any way I can edit the sound out in Audition.Thanks for the advice 
V
voiceguy
Guest
You know...you could try simply getting a better mic cable.Your typical Hosa cables are fairly cheaply made...and that's often times the source of your noise.From what you're describing though, if it's just HISS...and not a HUM...then it's probably not a ground problem...it's probably just an issue with the pre-amp in the DJ mixer.Those pres aren't made with recording voiceover in mind...they're made with loud PA systems in mind.So...try getting a nice mic cable. If that doesn't solve the problem, consider it an initial investment in better sound quality when you finally are able to upgrade your mixer.Best,Mike BrattonVoice Guywww.mikebrattonvoice.com
Thanks, Mike. It's definitely the pre... the cable I bought separately, and it's specifically made for broadcast and professional use.Are there any frequencies I might try EQ-ing out in Audition that would help?(By the way, post 1234 is brought to you by the letter J and the number Threeve.)
Re: The noise is driving me CRAZY!!! EZ Fix!
You can try recording a section of silence before you start speaking..then highlighting that and going to the audition "Noise Reduction" feature.."Capture" that piece of highlighted silence..then select "Coose Entire Clip"..be sure to only use about 72% or less (there is a slider there so you can adjust it) it will virtually eliminate the hiss completely..THEN..and only then go ahead and process the track. We do a lot of voice work while on the road in an RV (with air conditioner and generator going) and I can clean the track up so it sounds studio quality. If you need a 'talk-thru" give me a call in the studio next week sometime 888-780-8542.
You can try recording a section of silence before you start speaking..then highlighting that and going to the audition "Noise Reduction" feature.."Capture" that piece of highlighted silence..then select "Coose Entire Clip"..be sure to only use about 72% or less (there is a slider there so you can adjust it) it will virtually eliminate the hiss completely..THEN..and only then go ahead and process the track. We do a lot of voice work while on the road in an RV (with air conditioner and generator going) and I can clean the track up so it sounds studio quality. If you need a 'talk-thru" give me a call in the studio next week sometime 888-780-8542.
Thanks Jeff! That hits the nail on the head!
This may or may not help - but if you're getting hums - make sure everything is plugged into the same power strip. I couldn't believe it when i got that piece of advice from an engineer - but all hums ceased when everything was plugged into the same power source.
It's all on the same strip. Like I said, it's more of a hiss than a hum. It's likely just the preamp. It's a DJ mixer, and nothing really fancy at that. The sooner I can get my full board up and running, the better.
R
raydofan
Guest
You really should stay away from DJ equipment. The cheapest mackie would serve you better.Josh C. said:
R
raydofan
Guest
Re: The noise is driving me CRAZY!!! EZ Fix!
I've tried this technique, and there's always some sort of artifact that results. Is there a decent bitrate a sample of a recording itself-with and without anomalies-that you could post? I use a different tool to record (cleanup is usally avoided-I have special hum removal techniques, I avoid noisy inputs to begin with) but I have considered audition, and this might clinch it.Jeff Laurence said:
I know... I just don't have the money for it right now.raydofan said:
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