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vmarkant - Posted - 02/15/2011: 10:54:29
I'm using an Audio-technica AT2020USB and Audacity to record but I'm getting a lot of sound like background air noise. Is it audacity or the mic? I have the mike plugged into the USB port in the front of the computer. Any ideas? TIA
Vapor - Posted - 02/15/2011: 11:35:04
Are you close to you computer, if so, is it the cooling fan.
Bubba Tex - Posted - 02/15/2011: 12:57:55
Virtually all rooms have ambient noise. Could be something as simple as the ceiling fan, AC/furnace running, or as Vapor said, your computer humming. Other possibilities are air moving through small cracks under the door or window, the lights in the room, your monitor, or an open window letting in outside noise.
We hear these noises all of the time so our brains "ignore" them. When I was doing audio for high profile video interviews and presentations, we would always record a few minutes of "room noise, or silence" to have for the editing process.
You can try baffling the HVAC vents in the room and sealing pathways that air may be moving through if it's air sounds you're getting. If it's a 60 hertz hum, you can likely filter it out in your software.
Go in to the room late at night, (that's when it will be quitest), turn on all of the equipment, lights, etc. that are normally on when you record, close your eyes, breathe through your open mouth very slowly, and really listen to the room to try and identify what the noise is.
Edited by - Bubba Tex on 02/15/2011 13:01:47
vmarkant - Posted - 02/16/2011: 06:09:40
Never thought of the computer noise. I guess I'll need a USB extension. Thanks.
Trewq36 - Posted - 02/16/2011: 06:29:15
Remember USBs are only good upto 16 foot.
Vapor - Posted - 02/16/2011: 07:59:33
Try to keep mic pointed away from the computer, and if possible, a physical barrier will help reduce the noise. Good luck, and thanks for using this forum.
vmarkant - Posted - 02/17/2011: 07:13:17
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Remember USBs are only good upto 16 foot.
Thanks - I didn't know that.
Trewq36 - Posted - 02/17/2011: 07:26:18
You're Welcome...
Well that's one of those things this Teck Talk should be good for eh?.
PeterJ - Posted - 02/18/2011: 06:29:44
I have an AT2020 (non USB) and it picks up a lot of room noise from the back side of the mic (a lot of mics of this design will do the same thing). Be sure to use some sound-absorbing material on the opposite side of the mic from you. An old low-budget trick that works well is put the mic on a stand in your clothes closet -- your suits and jackets will help absorb the noise.
