veebee
03-06-2009, 04:50 AM
I've realized that some people don't know how to get the best sound quality out of their microphones, whether it be a headset or a more expensive model. Well, UltraRob has inspired me to help my fellow VAA members by creating a step by step tutorial on how to enhance the quality of your mic.
Sound Test (for XP only)
Step 1. Go to Start > Control Panel > Sound and Audio Devices
Step 2. If you're using a USB mic, click on the Audio tab > 'Voice recording' and make sure your PC reads it as your primary recording device (if you're not using a USB mic, skip this step)
Step 3. Click on the Voice tab then 'Test hardware'
Step 4. It will take a minute or so for the wizard to finish
Step 5. Follow the instructions and it will adjust your mic accordingly (you can also make adjustments manually, but remember, louder does NOT mean better! too high, and the sound will distort; too low, and you won't be able to hear a thing; keep the tracker somewhere in the middle)
Step 6. Once you've configured your mic, click Next > Finish
Mic Boost (XP only)
Step 1. Usually your sound options are located on the bottom right hand corner of your desktop, but to avoid any confusion: Start > All Programs > Accessories > Entertainment > Volume Control
Step 2. Under the 'Microphone' column select 'Advance'
Step 3. Make sure '1 MIC Boost' is unchecked (this should never be check! NEVER! it may sound like a good thing, but it'll make your mic sound horrible! trust me! it only enhances noise. if your feel that your mic is too low then adjust it manually)
Step 4. Click 'Close' to finish
Quick Tip
If you're using a laptop as your recording station, remember that most laptops come standard with a built-in mic. Sometimes it can even interfere with your external mic. So, make sure the built-in mic is muted before recording.
* Go back to your Recording Controls > Options > Properties
* In the 'Adjust volume for' box select 'Recording'
* Select your default 'Mixer device' (your microphone usually has its name in the title so you should be able to tell the difference between the two)
* Make sure every box is checked then click 'OK'
* Bring all the trackers down to their lowest point
* If you're using a USB mic then all you have to do is Mute the 'Microphone' column, located in the 'Playback' section (the USB mic should have it's own separate volume control)
*Again, you should never raise the trackers to their highest point
Equalization
Remember, EQ (equalization) is your friend! But be careful! You don't want to over do it! I've listened to many auditions OD'd on sound filters and noise reducers; everything becomes muffled, as though people were recording their lines with a sock in their mouth. Sometimes it's best to just leave it be until you can purchase a better quality mic (because when it comes down to it, that's the real issue).
But hopefully, the tips that I've given you will make recording easier so you can avoid the heavy use of sound filters.
Tip:
If you must use sound filters, record in a higher fequency. The higher the sample rate, the more information the file will hold. Which means, you can make edits without completely ruining the sound quality.
Note: I'll update this tomorrow...I'm going to bed. It's pretty much basic stuff, but like I said, some people don't know it. I hope this helps someone!
~Peace
Sound Test (for XP only)
Step 1. Go to Start > Control Panel > Sound and Audio Devices
Step 2. If you're using a USB mic, click on the Audio tab > 'Voice recording' and make sure your PC reads it as your primary recording device (if you're not using a USB mic, skip this step)
Step 3. Click on the Voice tab then 'Test hardware'
Step 4. It will take a minute or so for the wizard to finish
Step 5. Follow the instructions and it will adjust your mic accordingly (you can also make adjustments manually, but remember, louder does NOT mean better! too high, and the sound will distort; too low, and you won't be able to hear a thing; keep the tracker somewhere in the middle)
Step 6. Once you've configured your mic, click Next > Finish
Mic Boost (XP only)
Step 1. Usually your sound options are located on the bottom right hand corner of your desktop, but to avoid any confusion: Start > All Programs > Accessories > Entertainment > Volume Control
Step 2. Under the 'Microphone' column select 'Advance'
Step 3. Make sure '1 MIC Boost' is unchecked (this should never be check! NEVER! it may sound like a good thing, but it'll make your mic sound horrible! trust me! it only enhances noise. if your feel that your mic is too low then adjust it manually)
Step 4. Click 'Close' to finish
Quick Tip
If you're using a laptop as your recording station, remember that most laptops come standard with a built-in mic. Sometimes it can even interfere with your external mic. So, make sure the built-in mic is muted before recording.
* Go back to your Recording Controls > Options > Properties
* In the 'Adjust volume for' box select 'Recording'
* Select your default 'Mixer device' (your microphone usually has its name in the title so you should be able to tell the difference between the two)
* Make sure every box is checked then click 'OK'
* Bring all the trackers down to their lowest point
* If you're using a USB mic then all you have to do is Mute the 'Microphone' column, located in the 'Playback' section (the USB mic should have it's own separate volume control)
*Again, you should never raise the trackers to their highest point
Equalization
Remember, EQ (equalization) is your friend! But be careful! You don't want to over do it! I've listened to many auditions OD'd on sound filters and noise reducers; everything becomes muffled, as though people were recording their lines with a sock in their mouth. Sometimes it's best to just leave it be until you can purchase a better quality mic (because when it comes down to it, that's the real issue).
But hopefully, the tips that I've given you will make recording easier so you can avoid the heavy use of sound filters.
Tip:
If you must use sound filters, record in a higher fequency. The higher the sample rate, the more information the file will hold. Which means, you can make edits without completely ruining the sound quality.
Note: I'll update this tomorrow...I'm going to bed. It's pretty much basic stuff, but like I said, some people don't know it. I hope this helps someone!
~Peace