Known Participant

Question

Mic audio quality for a newcomer

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
August 2, 2019
3 replies
3056 views

Hey guys, I'm trying to get better audio quality from my mic (AT220).

When I do anything with it, the sound peaks and doesn't sound as crisp as it should.

Here's a sample: test.wav - Google Drive

Any ideas how to get better sound?

Thanks

This topic has been closed for replies.

bojoey

Participating Frequently

This is a great question. There's a couple of chapters I made for Audition Learn which is available in Audition itself under the help and "learn" pull-down. We demonstrate some great ways of using microphones to get the best sound. Also, I've used dozens of those "in-studio-shields" and they're all pretty much crap except for one: The Aston microhpones Halo.https://amzn.to/2H060oZ

It's awesome, small, and looks super cool. There's also an audio review I've done specifically on it's sound here:

Aston Microphones Halo Demo Will Shock You! - YouTube

SteveG_AudioMasters_

Community Expert

bojoey wrote
Also, I've used dozens of those "in-studio-shields" and they're all pretty much crap except for one: The Aston microhpones Halo

Actually they aren't all crap by any means. I've tried several of them, done detailed acoustic measurements on one of them, and pretty much you get what you pay for, although there are caveats. For instance, mounting them is sometimes a different matter. I have an original SE Electronics Reflexion filter that works really well - but that was only after I'd completely redesigned its mounting. The other major caveat is that their performance will vary with the specific mics you use with them - not all mic side lobes are equal by any means.

The Neewer one I linked to above actually works pretty well sitting on a desk, and there's nothing to stop you putting something softer underneath it as well if you want. Like all of them, it will inevitably be improved with a duvet behind it, as Hugh Robjohns mentions in this SOS article: https://www.soundonsound.com/sound-advice/q-reflection-filter-worth-money

So no, they can't all be covered by a blanket statement like that - unless of course you're being paid by Aston or Amazon...

bojoey

Participating Frequently

I'm sorry if I've offended your sensibilities, but I've used dozens of those including just about the entire SE line. I'm glad you've been able to run technical analysis and measurements. Since you've obviously not used the Halo, you'd notice that right away it has far more favorable structure to removing the all-too-often-there internal hootiness and micro-reflections of the semi-circular shape itself - which is why nearly everything I've ever used creates that "I'm using a shield" sound: basically an ambience room reflection inside a bad sounding room. It renders the recordings done sub-standard. The Halo handles that with it's unique design.

Also, I'll generally refute your statement about kind of microphone - as it's not the microhpone but the polar pattern which makes the difference. Obviously a Cardioid will do much better than an omnidirectional and whereas microphones' polar pattern sensitivities vary, true, you'll get a slight difference in results...but not so much as you'll solve or really influence the issues of the semi-circular sound-shield.

And, you're right to change the mounting, add a duvet etc. Those SE products seem to forget that they need to be useful - and have quite poor rejection of sounds from above and sides (fine from behind). But that you must do those things to make it work proves my point I believe.

And whether I was being "paid by Aston" or not (I'm not), it wouldn't change my results: The Halo is unique, and has the best results for us at our facilities and for our members to date.

http://www.cinemasound.com

Mike Russell

Inspiring

It sounds pretty reasonable for the make and model of microphone you're using.

If you can turn down the input going into Adobe Audition using your Windows audio controls that would help prevent the peaking you're getting which you certainly don't want in your final recording.

What will you be recording on your microphone harrys65643539? Your answer will influence the type of replies you may get with tips to improve quality.

Like ryclark mentions there is a fair bit of background noise in your recording. Open up Spectral Frequency Display and you'll see it. I've attached an image with some basic settings to help reduce that using Effects > Amplitude and Compression > Dynamics... first the AutoGate to stop background noise getting through (look at the before and after in the screen shot) and a little compression to even out the volume levels of your voice.

There's also some sibilance in your recording Effects > Amplitude and Compression > DeEsser... would fix this. There's also EQ to consider but one step at a time. Let me know how you get on!

Harry SAuthor

Known Participant

Thank you. That really helps! I'm gonna try and implemenet all those things and see what happens.

I'm recording voice-overs for slide presentations which will go on YouTube.

Harry SAuthor

Known Participant

I've done a couple of tests.

1: Raw. test1.wav - Google Drive

2: Normalised to -0.1db. test2.wav - Google Drive

I get the echoy bathroom like sound. Any idea how to fix that?

ryclark

Participating Frequently

Do you mean an AT2020 mic? How is it connected into your computer for recording in Audition?

However listening to your test recording the sound is much as I would expect. Nothing much wrong with it except for quite a lot of background noise from near the mic, possibly due to fans in your computer.

Harry SAuthor

Known Participant

Sorry, yeah, the AT2020. (edited now)

It's connected through USB.

ryclark

Participating Frequently

Just to completely clarify then the mic that you are using is the Audio Technica AT2020USB. And which model, the USB+ or the USBi? It makes a difference as to how the recording level into Audition is controlled. At the moment the peaks in your test.wav are a little on the high side so the recording level from the mic needs to be reduced somewhat. Is your computer a Mac or a PC?

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