Author Topic: recording equipment  (Read 2148 times)

Offline Sillara Tamar

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recording equipment
« on: June 04, 2004, 09:57:28 PM »
My mod is in its final beta stages, and I have begun my TOB writing/coding.  I was hoping, however, to have voicing for the next release of the mod (I hope at about the time the TOB comes out).  What sort of equipment do you recommend?  I have heard that Audacity is good for the software portion, but what about the hardware?  Does anyone have suggestions?  I have a Windows XP, and some mysterious Compaq Presario S5300NX.  Is there a particular software/hardware combination that sounds especially good with BGII?

Sillara
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Offline jcompton

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Re: recording equipment
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2004, 10:29:11 PM »
The software doesn't matter to the quality of the recording. Any program written in the last decade can be set to do 16-bit 44.1 KHz recording (which is what you want to start with.) Audacity is a fine program to use, but, again, it's not the software that matters.

Bons recommends this mic. You'll need to get a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter but you can find that in a Radio Shack or equivalent, or buy it from the site as well.

You'll also want a windscreen, either from that site or making one with pantyhose and a coat hanger as described in Wynne's voicing tutorial (which you've read, right? No? It's here.)

Unfortunately, the audio-in circuitry on a lot of PCs and laptops just isn't made very well, so if you're getting a lot of electrical noise and hum you may need to purchase a new, stand-alone audio card. Fortunately, they're dirt cheap these days. Shutting off all lights and electrical equipment near the computer helps a lot, as does (in the case of laptops) recording in battery mode only.

Aside from that, I recommend skipping the blanket and finding a way to set yourself up in the corner. A boom mic stand works well for this purpose (that site should have one for under $30), and you'll need to find a small table or stand to put the laptop on if you don't have someone to assist you with the recording.
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Offline Bons

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Re: recording equipment
« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2004, 12:08:40 PM »
Bons recommends this mic. You'll need to get a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter but you can find that in a Radio Shack or equivalent, or buy it from the site as well.

Skip this one, unless you want to invest in some additional microphone equipment. I've heard that it results in low volume with your raw recording. Since I usually use a pre-amp with microphones to adjust my sound levels, I am out of touch. :(

As an alternative, you can get an omnidirectional dynamic microphone intended for use with a karaoke machine. They range between $10-30, and most come with 1/8" plugs. I used a Sony model I picked up at Best Buy to record my first soundsets, and, again, they have similar mics at that electronic mecca, Radio Shack, as well.

I also recommend downloading Goldwave for trial. I've used different versions over the past 7 years, and I've always found it handy for sound editing, and I still use it when I don't want to mess with Sound Forge.
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Offline Sillara Tamar

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Re: recording equipment
« Reply #3 on: June 15, 2004, 07:44:31 PM »
I have gotten a microphone, and living in the land of karaoke, I had no troubles with finding a suitable one.  My problem is that I still have incredible static/distortion.  I am thinking it is due to the power lines literally 6-8 feet from my window.  (Japan!)  Anyway, is that possible?  Will I need to move my computer to record?

SofT

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« Last Edit: July 22, 2004, 11:26:18 PM by Sillara Tamar »
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Offline jcompton

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Re: recording equipment
« Reply #4 on: June 15, 2004, 08:12:55 PM »
It's an excellent idea to try moving the computer away from that sort of thing, yes.
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Offline colbruce

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Re: recording equipment
« Reply #5 on: July 06, 2004, 12:07:09 AM »
 ???  It sounds to me like you have distortion because your input recording-levels are set too high.  You have what is called "clipping" where the audio signal is overloaded.

Depending what software you are using, turn down the input volume.  Most likely you will do this with Windows: open the Volume Control (probably on your quicklaunch bar). Click Options. Click Properties. Switch it to "Recording."  Now it will open back the volumes window with the Recording volumes showing.  Adjust the mic-input volume down to somewhere in the middle or lower.  Now try recording again.  (Leave the Volume Control window open in the background while Goldwave or Audigy is open, you can adjust the volume levels on the fly).

 

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