Good quality audio recording

UncleZen

I want to record audio from a microphone and save the resulting file as MP3 via the computer.

We have 2 microphones;
1) a cheapie and has a 3.5mm mono jack that I can plug into the mic in socket on the computer.
2) is a professional singers mic with XLR connector, which also comes with a 1/4" mono jack adaptor which in turn I connect to a 1/4" mono to 3.5mm mono jack adaptor and into the mic in socket on the computer (we usually use this on our PA for concerts).

Now, whatever mic I use the results are not good, theres a lot of hiss and the level is quite low. If I amplify the result, then the hiss increases.
Im using Audacity to record the audio or the Soud Recorder app with Windows 7. Results are similar for both.

Also Ive tried this on a WinXP Desktop and a Win7 laptop with similar results.

So, to my question, how can I get good quality audio from a microphone into a PC and on to a file such as MP3?

I'll consider buying another piece of kit, I was thinking of one of those solid state dictation things if they have the quality. This is just for voice recording, not music.

Thoughts anyone?

googler

Look at music and pro-audio websites and stores for mobile recorders, and possibly office supply stores for the dictation machines.

Most if not all of these will record to an SD card as WAV or mp3, and you can simply copy the files from the device to PC

What do you eventually want to do with the files, and what's your budget for the exercise?

david39

There is usually some form of control over volume/quality built into your audio device in your computer, depending on the way this has been set up. It sounds as though your problem is not enough signal reaching the recording device from the microphones.

Try right clicking on the speaker symbol at the right hand end of your task bar and see if there is a mixer application that includes microphone input. My old computer had a microphone input booster in this that I had to use to get any reasonable level of input.

Alternatively, go to Control Panel and see if there is an entry for your Audio Device. The most common is RealTek HD Audio Manager, but you may have a different sound application. Open that up and try to make adjustments to the microphone inputs to effect an improvement.

UncleZen

googler, the files are to be used for overdubbing films. I hadnt really thought of budget if I cant make it work via the PC.
david39, I'll have a more detailed look over the weekend, last night I tried this but only had 30mins or so.

Myser

Using a dynamic XLR microphone without a pre-amp connected to a computer isn't going to yield good results.

If you want to use a computer, then I would strongly recommend using an external USB sound card to avoid hiss and noise. Make sure it has XLR microphone inputs as well as standard inputs.

Look at Edirol/Roland.

The better option that film sound recordists use is a separate recording device. If you are taking this route, have a look at the Zoom hand-held recorders.

UncleZen

Good point I was wondering that. Over the weekend I was going to look up output voltages and impedence of the mic and the same for the sound card.
I have a PA, maybe there is a suitable output after the pre-amp

fwor

One other thing you might consider if it suits your circumstances is a MiniDisc recorder. There is a huge range of these, from domestic up to semi-pro, and even multi-track ones (though beware IIRC all of the latter require special discs that are hard to get hold of). The ones designed for studio use typically have XLR/balanced, and because MiniDisc never took off outside Japan, the kit is relatively cheap secondhand.

It would save having to mess about with a PC on/near stage, and any other than the most basic ones will have digital out, so you can transfer it losslessly to a PC after the event to edit and otherwise use the sound file.

Myser

UncleZen wrote: »

I have a PA, maybe there is a suitable output after the pre-amp

You can use the line/tape out from the mixer with the microphone connected to one of the XLR inputs. Much better than connecting the microphone directly to the computer.

However, if you are using a laptop, it would definately be worth investing in an external sound card.

If you want to be able to record at live gigs or while practising, a portable audio recorder may be the way to go.