How to eliminate background noise while recording

[TBman]

Originally Posted by Doug Young

Yeah......., or play louder.

That's what I found to be the solution to cleaner recordings. Playing louder also buries alot of string noise as well.

[rhudson]

Let's hear the recording in question. No sensible suggestion can be made until the problem is heard? Where's the beef?

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by stanfan

Thanks for the replies....

I'm using an Audio Technica AT2020 Cardioid condenser for vocals and blending between the AT2020 and an AT2021 small diaphragm for instruments.

I'm recording in a spare bedroom, carpeted floors, gyproced walls, approx
10 X10, mics are in center of the room.

Thanks again,

Rob

Couple of additional thoughts as others have said try to find the optimum gain stage setting for signal to noise, and mic placement, etc.

The first thing I would do is move your recording location to another room (if that is not possible) then change your recording location to a position more like 2/3 -1/3 as opposed to in the center.
But first understand a square room is the least desirable space for both recording and especially listening back thru speakers .
And second the center of the room is also the least desirable position for recording and playback listening because of reflections converging on the center of the room.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by KevWind

Couple of additional thoughts as others have said try to find the optimum gain stage setting for signal to noise, and mic placement, etc.

The first thing I would do is move your recording location to another room (if that is not possible) then change your recording location to a position more like 2/3 -1/3 as opposed to in the center.
But first understand a square room is the least desirable space for both recording and especially listening back thru speakers .
And second the center of the room is also the least desirable position for recording and playback listening because of reflections converging on the center of the room.

Hi KW

Are you aware you dug up a zombie thread? It's an interesting discussion and issue (and relevant to new recordists).

I've recorded all over my house, but many folks have one choice for recording - especially if they live in apartments with adjoining neighbors.

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by ljguitar

Hi KW

Are you aware you dug up a zombie thread? It's an interesting discussion and issue (and relevant to new recordists).

I've recorded all over my house, but many folks have one choice for recording - especially if they live in apartments with adjoining neighbors.

Ha that's hilarious..... No I did not look at the date and I had no clue, as it was not all that far down on the first page list ?? Guess I'm gettin' old Please disregard and I'll crawl back under my rock

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by KevWind

Ha that's hilarious..... No I did not look at the date and I had no clue, as it was not all that far down on the first page list ?? Guess I'm gettin' old Please disregard and I'll crawl back under my rock

Hey KW

I'm not trying to embarrass you…just thought you might have not noticed. I've done it quite a few times myself!

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by ljguitar

Hey KW

I'm not trying to embarrass you…just thought you might have not noticed. I've done it quite a few times myself!

Na no problem at all Larry, I am definitely too old to get embarrassed over lack of observation of a thread date, and not enjoy laughing at myself

[crikey]

Originally Posted by Fran Guidry

Let's remember, gain is gain, and sensitivity is more of the same. To the mic and preamp and converters and hard disk bits the sound of the guitar is exactly the same as the sound of the refrigerator, the passing motorcycle, and the squeak of our chair. Using a more sensitive mic, or turning up the preamp, or turning up the playback gain will raise both the signal and the noise equally.

And the background noise in most home recording environments is a _LOT_ louder than the hiss from most preamps, even when the preamp is being abused. In my experience it's very common to mistake the amplified ambient noise (room tone, some call it) for preamp hiss when we crank the gain.

This is why home recording is hard. Mic pattern and position are about the only tools we have for improving the signal to noise ratio, and changing either of these changes the recorded sound. We're searching for that perfect position that optimizes both as well as possible.

Fran

Very good points to remember!