Buzzing and Echo Sound After Recording

Have you looked for environmental noises, both electrical and audible?

Here are some possible culprits for induced electrical "buzz" or "hum." These "noises" are actually created by electrical interference in the recording equipment, and don't become apparent until playback:

• Fluorescent strip lighting.
• AC power cords near the microphone cable.
• Mic cable near CRT displays.
• Other electronic devices where you are recording.

If you're using a laptop, I find I have better luck running on battery power when recording, though I'm not clear if this is because of the power source, or because power-save features kick in that make the machine quieter.

Another possibility is real audio noise that you mentally tune out when you're in the room, but hear when you listen to playback. Some ones I've run into:

• Ventilation noise.  Particularly if you're recording in a building where you work all the time, you don't hear the ventilation system unless you really stop to listen for it.
• Small electronic devices -- fans, projectors, etc. that might be in the room.

Also, play around with microphone position relative to your mouth; it's possible that the source of the racket is your own breath!!

Good luck!!