Recording problem...

[Sunset_West]

First of all, I realize this thread isn't really in the correct section, however, it seems like no one browses the tips and tricks threads.

My recording set up is uber basic. I have a Shure SM57 mic, going to a Creative SoundBlaster Live-24 external soundcard (running to my comp by USP) and using Cool Edit to record with.

I have two major problems:
- I can't seem to get the hiss out of my recordings. Its not the amp (clean, distorted, has the same amount of air-y hiss). And the more tracks I put into any given song, the louder the hiss. Any ideas how to fix that?

- When I play back a track to play with in my headphones, the sound is always delayed by a milisecond. Enough to totally throw me and my tracking off. Is this all chalked up to a bogged down computer, or do you have any other ideas?

Thanks alot guys, I appreciate any help you can offer.

[Dusty]

The second problem is called latency (sp?) and yes its basically a problem with your computer not being fast enough. You can google it though and their are ways to downgrade your recording quality which will improve latency. I've never had that problem so I can't explain it perfect.

The hiss is probably due to the sound card not being very good. You can get pretty good 2 channel sound cards made for recording pretty cheap these days. I'm not positive that's the problem though and you should do more research before buying something new. There's a LOT of good information on the web if you go looking for it. As awesome as this site is, its not so great for recording questions/issues etc. Hopefully that helps a little.

[Majin GeoDooD]

Sound Blasters aren't good for recording, especially a Live.

[gerthboy]

If you've got the means I would recommend picking up an mbox there made by digidesign, check ebay I picked mine up for $300 on ebay. It's a great interface it has two inputs, connects via usb port, and runs pro tools LE which is included, its a great software for recording.

Check out my myspace page and you can listed to demo's cut entirely on an mbox with the two mic's I have listed below.



my rig
mesa boogie
simul-class 2:90
rectifier recording preamp
4x12 rectifier cab
Lexicon mpx G2
mpx R1

Recording
Pro Tools LE
Digidesign Mbox
sure sm57
AKG c1000s

myspace.com/johnchevalliermusic (http://www.myspace.com/johnchevalliermusic)

[JohnnyPODfreak7]

Is all that done with that preamp? the guitar I mean, now i'm wanting that mbox, haha.

[Sunset_West]

Originally posted by gerthboy
If you've got the means I would recommend picking up an mbox there made by digidesign, check ebay I picked mine up for $300 on ebay. It's a great interface it has two inputs, connects via usb port, and runs pro tools LE which is included, its a great software for recording.

Check out my myspace page and you can listed to demo's cut entirely on an mbox with the two mic's I have listed below.



my rig
mesa boogie
simul-class 2:90
rectifier recording preamp
4x12 rectifier cab
Lexicon mpx G2
mpx R1

Recording
Pro Tools LE
Digidesign Mbox
sure sm57
AKG c1000s

myspace.com/johnchevalliermusic (http://www.myspace.com/johnchevalliermusic)

Holy crap! Thats a great sounding demo! My old band spent a fair bit of money for a demo that honestly sounds about as good as yours does. Cutos to you and your band!

Dusty, thanks for the honest reply. I had a feeling it was the soundcard. The more I've read about it, the more I've realized its the Soundblaster. No worries. I wanted to do basic recordings and now I'm moving up. I got the thing for $40 Canadian. Not very much at all. Taught me a little bit and maybe I'll give it to my brother or something.

I'll definately look into the Mbox. Thanks guys, your help has (once again) been a key into my gear evolution!

[bluntskull]

i use cool edit pro 2.0 to record at home myself,... for your hiss problem, there's a little trick i learned from their help file,... record a track of just the hiss your getting and nothing else, use the 'noise reduction' in the effects menu and 'sve profile' of just your hiss track,.. load that profile on any track you wanna kill the noise on and set reduction almost all the way up,... idea is it only reduces whatever frequency the noise is humming along on,...

[jacksonjs30]

i use cool edit when i record i used to have that his problem with it but the wire from the mixer to the computer went bad

also try using a cheap berhinger mixer those things are quiet

[/\/\usic/\/\an]

Mbox is a good product. I run a protools Rack mount and wow it sounds perfect, You can have 8 mics going at once and its crystal clear. If you like the recordings you have on the computer it might be possible to gate out the hiss, but if the hiss is not on the audio then get rid of the crappy soundblaster card. The delay problem is a slow computer, its best to have seperate hardware when recording with digital programs. Mbox is a good investment, be sure to research good mic technics it makes a world of difference. I'm renting out a big old church for my recording studio using a pro tools rack system with a mac powerbook and its great.