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FPSC Classic Models and Media / How do I record high quality audio?

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Luke314pi
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Joined: 11th Apr 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posted: 2nd Oct 2007 16:08
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I have been using either my generic computer microphone or my gaming headset to record game dialogue, but the quality is pretty low, with cracking and popping noises occurring when pronouncing certain sounds. How can I record higher quality audio on my PC for a reasonable price? Do I just need a better microphone? Or is it a software issue?

Thanks in advance.

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rolfy
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Posted: 2nd Oct 2007 16:29
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Depends on the quality of your mike,you dont need a top of the range model just a decent one.
If your getting pops and crackles you may be recording at too high a level or too low and then increasing the volume which would increase the noise level in tandem.
Make sure you are recording at a decent bit rate,44.1kh 16-bit should be fine then reduce the sample rate to 22kh for playback which is the bit rate for fpsc sounds dont record at this rate as you will get a better sound if reduced after.
If you are getting popping sounds with certain sounds then you are recording at too high a level.

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Luke314pi
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Posted: 2nd Oct 2007 18:36
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Thanks rolfy! Is there any particular microphone you would recommend?

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rolfy
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Posted: 3rd Oct 2007 02:24 Edited at: 3rd Oct 2007 02:40
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Not really dude,I have a few mikes but their for pro audio,and I can just dig one of those out when needed,you will find that even a low budget mike can give good results if it's for voice over rather than say a sung vocal.You might even be best to check out your soundcard manufacturers website for peripheral products.

It can also help to check out some audio software,read the manuals and get a handle on how to compress and normalise your audio,though this isn't absolutely necessary for what you want to do,you just want a clean recording with no noise.
Sometimes when rcording digital audio the levels aren't exactly what you saw in the meters when recording and I think this may be why you have been getting noise,over compensating because the recorded content seems quieter than you would have liked.
Recording within the highest meter reading possible,dont go into the red and keep an eye on your clip if your software has this,and then normalising the wav afterwards will yield decent results.

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Luke314pi
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Posted: 3rd Oct 2007 05:16
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Thanks for the additional info!

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JohannesM
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Posted: 3rd Oct 2007 17:50
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I've noticed that some software records better than other software. I suggest you try Audacity or an Acoustica product.

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Ross tra damus
3D Media Maker
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Location: Looking to Escape London
Posted: 3rd Oct 2007 19:23 Edited at: 3rd Oct 2007 19:25
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Or you could try 'sony- sonic foundry', they have a trial download which you could use. This is a very good program in many ways.
It also has some great 'filters' for unwanted backround noises.
Best of luck
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fallen one
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Posted: 3rd Oct 2007 19:57 Edited at: 3rd Oct 2007 20:00
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I also put a sock over my mic, looks a bit naff but it filtered out a lot of rubbish. Also some software does have tools for getting rid of scratches and pops like what has been mentioned, I can say they work from using them, but so does the sock, as soft as that sounds, mind you my mic is real cheap, I cant see professionals sticking socks over there microphones, but for me it helped especially when recording dialog.

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rolfy
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Posted: 3rd Oct 2007 21:23 Edited at: 3rd Oct 2007 21:33
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Quote: "I cant see professionals sticking socks over there microphones"

nope,but it has been known to jury rig a 'pop' screen out of a wire coathanger and a pair of panty hose
Absolutely true.
Actually,though I have never come across it,a sock would be used by folks pro or not,if it does the job then do it,would make a good windshield,just dont get too close to it

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TGPEG
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Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted: 3rd Oct 2007 21:25
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Quote: "nope,but it has been known to jury rig a 'pop' screen out of a pair of panty hose
Abso;utely true."

LOL! Rolfy, you just made my day

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Luke314pi
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Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posted: 4th Oct 2007 13:36
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I picked up a copy of Audacity, and used the settings you recommended, and I noticed a HUGE difference, even with my basic microphone. And that was without the sock too.

Thanks everyone!

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