removing background noise from vocal recordings

Livi · Post by **Livi** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 1:43 pm

I'm recording vocals (and guitar) using a Sterling Audio ST51 microphone and an M-Audio interface, and I'm recording them directly into Mixcraft. When they come in at first without any effects, there is some background noise, but when I use the noise reduction or an eq, the vocals become tinny and there are some major pops and crackles throughout the recording. I don't think it's the mic or the interface-the problem seems to be with the effects in Mixcraft. How can I avoid this?
thank you:)
Livi

Post by **Acoustica Eric** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 3:12 pm

It could be a grounding issue, are you using a laptop? It's common with them because laptop power supplies do not normally have a ground (third plug).
Can you post an mp3 containing the noise somewhere so we can hear it?

Livi · Post by **Livi** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 5:31 pm

I'm using a desktop, one that I built specifically for Mixcraft, so I don't think that's an issue. Is there an email address where I can send you the before and after samples?

Bill Melater · Post by **Bill Melater** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 8:09 pm

Spectro Spectral Editor Plugin, BIAS SoundSoap, Audacity Keep in mind that removing parts of the spectrum creates artifacts that are often worse than the problem you are trying to fix. Maybe a manual edit job would work, or gating as a possibility. Or the time tested and rock band approved "lots of reverb and bury it in the mix". Also fixes singers who can't sing.

Post by **Acoustica Eric** » Sun Sep 25, 2011 10:20 am

Yep, send in a support request and attach the files.