Literally watched videos for like 25 minutes gradually getting more frustrated then I come to this video and you had such simple advice that no one else gave... Incredible. I'm not a beginner either.. I'm designing sound and mixing big projects just when it came to recording vocals (or any instrument that isn't virtual) I had never gotten this simple advice. Thank you.
The noise floor depends on what interface you have and what mic you're using and also what preamp you're using. I studied music engineering for 4 years and have been working in the industry as an engineer since 1997, I can tell you strong signals are what you want.
Great video. Learning about recording can be like learning grammar... there's all kinds of technical terms for simple things. I like the way you explain "signal to noise ratio." You should include more of the technical terms in your videos. You make things I've had problems understanding in books very easy to learn. Maybe its the visuals, but great stuff. Keep em coming.
Thank You Lou this was a very helpful tutorial! This helps me put the signal strength in its proper perspective for recording voiceovers! This helps me tie it in with roomtone adjustment also!
Lewin, great tip on the signal/noise/hiss that I have not seen anywhere else. Thanks!! I would like to see a video about the sound difference between a plugged-in vs a miked acoustic guitar. Maybe some tricks/tips to get the most out of a plugged in guitar.
YESSSSSS! I have deff sent a message about this issue! And this pretty much answers my questions i had! Except how to get rid of those lawn moers or cars driving by and neighbors walking above you lol Thanks man you are the best! :)
And we found your problem!! You have a MONO cable going into a Stereo adaptor! You need a mono adaptor. However you can just buy a cable that has 1/4 inch on one end and 1/8 inch, I personally like those much better.
+Larry Browning well, the noise gate only works when there is no signal on the track. The gate closes at the end of a word or a guitar for his for example. Then it reopens when the sound begins again.
Always some good advice. I do like to have my guitar(s) low and then using my presets boosting the signal. I can keep things clean that way. I think I do keep it signal to noise friendly though :)
Hey there. Firstly, great work with your channel in general. Can you offered a gem of info. I have just finished this song. It's not bad, mixed with headphones so the mix could be better. And I'm still. Learning. That aside. Obviously it's in stereo. But, when listened to on a device such as a phone. One. Channel is list. In my case the chorus vocals. Don't most handheld smart devices force the audio file to mono and include both channels? I.e,in mono but with all the information?
Even the cheapest interface are relatively good at recording signals at reasonably low levels as proven in this video "Audio Myths Workshop" where they performed extensive experiments to disprove a lot of audio myths. if someone has to crank their preamp past where it was designed to operate at you're not going to get a good sound in most cases.
Could you do a video on the difference in sound quality between decently priced (400-500 $ range) audio-interfaces vs mixers? And also a if you want to have both (for the eq), if connecting them soundcard-mixer-soundcard-computer or mixer-soundcard-computer is the way to go. Thanks!
Hi today I succeeded in recording from my mixer just into one channel stereo . I used the instructions provided from your how to get a signal into GB from a guitar video . but I couldn't get the healthy profile you've shown here . Now I am playing an analogue sig from a Yamaha Motif ES coming into garrage band in stereo and all 16 tracks are being utilized on my workstation . but anyway your video was so clear even I could kinda get some traction so thanks! any advice ???
I've been working with Mixcraft 6 for almost a complete day now. I am using a samson Condenser Mic about 6 inches from my guitar amp. The sound file looks good with the headroom, but when I palm mute, the bass really picks up and distorts the sound too much. my mics preamp is a Line 6 UX2, which I set the Gain a little over half. Mixcraft track is set at about -9. it doesn't clip at all but sounds like it does when palm muting my guitar. My Guit. amp gain is at 8 while the master is set at 4.
My problem is my audio interface is clipping so I have to turn that down, resulting in a weak signal to my DAW. Only just started messing with it... Will probably resolve with trial and error as usual! Nice vid though.
Thank you for this video, I was wondering about the topic the last few days. A little question: If I record a signal like your good signal, it usually seems too quiet and I have to crank my headphone volume compared to when I listen to an mp3. If my volume is at 20% for an mp3, I'll have to turn it up to 60% or sth. so that my recorded signal sounds "loud enough" to me. Since I don't want that listeners have to adjust their volume all the time: How to I make my signals "loud enough" afterwards?
Great vid. I have a problem, when I'm trying to record my bass guitar I'm getting hum. I've tried moving around and it fades away but, as soon as I stop moving the hum returns. I've tried a direct box(imp2) and I'm still having the problem. Please help. Thanks
whats your take on the "recording volume" would you rather have your software be how you truly adjust the sensitivity of the recording.... or on the microphone/board itself???
Thanks for the quick reply! I'm using an Avantone CK6 (couldn't afford the cv12!) for vocals and guitar (i have this singal problem with both) - its the only mic i have actually. Could that a problem...?
The reason I ask is as my listeners (however small the audience may be) are only getting half the story. Through speakers and stereo headphones through my phone its all there. Listening through the devices speaker its half gone. So i get that there is only one speaker. I.e its only mono capable. But If it's there in stereo to begin with. Why is it lost! Please help!
Here is the problem that I am having: I record a vocal and I see the signal going into the red so I bring down the recording level so that it never peaks into the red...but then what happens is that the finished recorded signal is weak (like in your demonstration). If I bring up the recording signal it starts going into the red. Any suggestions? Thanks for making such great videos by the way.
Hi Louin, May you give me some clue about basic tutorial to record vocal? I am new, and just build my home recording studio. What I want to ask is that " Should a singer use headphone while doing the recording to listen to the instrumental? Because everytime I used headphone, it's hard for me to sing since I can't listen to my own voice. Advice please
Show the red line info to the vocalist, much of those peaks can be corrected by proper vocal technique. A good vocal take is really the best way to go, then you can start adding compression to even things out and attaining a professional sound, that also goes the same for any other audio tracks, guitar, etc.
Hi Lewin, this was a v. helfpul video especially since i knew nothing about this before! But... I keep getting really small waves and I don't know why. I am using the Presonus Audiobox,24 bit, signal turned up 3/4 of the way. If i turn it up any more, it picks up too much noise, yet the waves do get much bigger. I am playing (acoustic guitar) right up close to the mic, but that doesnt even help. Please do you think you can help? I'm getting nowhere atm. Am i just playing too quietly? Thanks!
Hi Lewin! just wondering how to handle the input level when alternating between chords and single notes on the same track. When i play chords the input level is perfect, but when i play single notes i get a drastic drop on the input level which give ALOT of headroom. I use a line 6 UX1 directly to garageband.
This guy has given you bad information the main advantage of being able to record digitally and more important at 24 bits is the fact that the noise floor is almost non existent. Recording at low levels provides the best end results for mixing and mastering most engineers record so that they don't have to touch the faders you can only do that if you record at low levels so that when all the tracks combine their will still be headroom on the master buss.
On your "good" example, where are your signals peaking? (-12, -18 db)? On your "weak" signal, I thought the problem was poor signal to noise ratio, or basically a higher percentage of noise to signal (therefore increasing the amount of noise as you bring the signal up to a usable level? I've never heard the term headroom noise. I get what you're saying, but I don't think you're using the terminology correctly, which can get confusing. Thanks
Hi! What about the "normalize" function? So, sometimes it happens (expecially when i make live gig recordings) that some track is low, Is it right to normalize ?
Lewin, if we happen to record at a volume that's too low and it's not possible to re-record that part...is there a method to pursue to make the volume louder without hearing the hiss. Or should we use the noise-gate to its best ability for the track...and just hope for the best? Thanks.
Cont... Should I move my Mic away more and mess with the amp master? or do I mess with the preamp gain? Shoul I be recording at about -6 on the Mixcraft track? I was told to keep the track at about -6, but this reverb bass coming in from palm muting is really bugging me out. Thank in advance.
I use line 6 ux 1 as my audio interface and am having poor signal strength in GarageBand when I record (so much headspace). The plug in is podfarm 2 for the ux1. Do I set the signal in there first and then record in garageband? Or just open garageband and do it in there?
hi i have an issue recording electro acoustic guitar direct but is making a lot of hiss do you have any suggestion on recoding direct electro acoustic guitar?
Hey! I always get very strong signal when I recording acoustic guitar with absolutely no head room. How do I change that? I heard you say all of us go through that, whats the solution? (I use Samson C01U)
Cast This - Sunshine Superman - Garageband Recording look it up...i dont see you posting examples of your skill anywhere. If your going to insult someone trying to help out other people please provide examples next time
Literally watched videos for like 25 minutes gradually getting more frustrated then I come to this video and you had such simple advice that no one else gave... Incredible. I'm not a beginner either.. I'm designing sound and mixing big projects just when it came to recording vocals (or any instrument that isn't virtual) I had never gotten this simple advice. Thank you.
The noise floor depends on what interface you have and what mic you're using and also what preamp you're using.
I studied music engineering for 4 years and have been working in the industry as an engineer since 1997, I can tell you strong signals are what you want.
WOW! That's great! Thanks for hanging in there with me!
Every time I have a problem, you have an answer. Thank you so much for what you do man!
Great video. Learning about recording can be like learning grammar... there's all kinds of technical terms for simple things. I like the way you explain "signal to noise ratio." You should include more of the technical terms in your videos. You make things I've had problems understanding in books very easy to learn. Maybe its the visuals, but great stuff. Keep em coming.
You are a great educator . To the point . Why is this so rare in the world ?
Thank You Lou this was a very helpful tutorial! This helps me put the signal strength in its proper perspective for recording voiceovers! This helps me tie it in with roomtone adjustment also!
Another excellent lesson Lewin!
Thanks Lewin! I've been having problems with hiss for a long time. This would really help me a lot. Keep up the good work! :)
Lewin, great tip on the signal/noise/hiss that I have not seen anywhere else. Thanks!!
I would like to see a video about the sound difference between a plugged-in vs a miked acoustic guitar. Maybe some tricks/tips to get the most out of a plugged in guitar.
You are an amazing teacher and have GREAT stuff to teach!
thanks so much. you got the best Recording Tutorials on you tube
thanks lewin, subscriber since 2010 and u never fail! thank you
YESSSSSS! I have deff sent a message about this issue! And this pretty much answers my questions i had! Except how to get rid of those lawn moers or cars driving by and neighbors walking above you lol Thanks man you are the best! :)
Thanks for the excellent info Lewin.
Excellent video - thank you so much for making this!!
And we found your problem!! You have a MONO cable going into a Stereo adaptor! You need a mono adaptor. However you can just buy a cable that has 1/4 inch on one end and 1/8 inch, I personally like those much better.
Excellent lesson. Thanks
Adding a noise gate to your signal chain will cut down the hiss. Great info on signal strength.
+Larry Browning well, the noise gate only works when there is no signal on the track. The gate closes at the end of a word or a guitar for his for example. Then it reopens when the sound begins again.
IS the adaptor Mono or Stereo?
How many black rings do you see on the small plug that goes into your mac?
Always some good advice. I do like to have my guitar(s) low and then using my presets boosting the signal. I can keep things clean that way. I think I do keep it signal to noise friendly though :)
thanks, learning so much from your videos.
Lewin....
Your the man.
Are both ends of your cable and adaptor MONO??
Have you tried adjusting the input level in the main preferences on you Mac?
Hey there. Firstly, great work with your channel in general. Can you offered a gem of info. I have just finished this song. It's not bad, mixed with headphones so the mix could be better. And I'm still. Learning. That aside. Obviously it's in stereo. But, when listened to on a device such as a phone. One. Channel is list. In my case the chorus vocals. Don't most handheld smart devices force the audio file to mono and include both channels? I.e,in mono but with all the information?
haha subscribed you for a long time finally got my macbook so i can start using your tips :D greets from germany!
Hey man, am dfntly gonna try this. am in namibia, a small african country. thanx for your help man. ur a good samaritan. dont mind th haters.
Nicely done!
The first video on home recording that I actually learned something! :D
Even the cheapest interface are relatively good at recording signals at reasonably low levels as proven in this video "Audio Myths Workshop" where they performed extensive experiments to disprove a lot of audio myths. if someone has to crank their preamp past where it was designed to operate at you're not going to get a good sound in most cases.
Could you do a video on the difference in sound quality between decently priced (400-500 $ range) audio-interfaces vs mixers? And also a if you want to have both (for the eq), if connecting them soundcard-mixer-soundcard-computer or mixer-soundcard-computer is the way to go. Thanks!
Hi today I succeeded in recording from my mixer just into one channel stereo . I used the instructions provided from your how to get a signal into GB from a guitar video . but I couldn't get the healthy profile you've shown here . Now I am playing an analogue sig from a Yamaha Motif ES coming into garrage band in stereo and all 16 tracks are being utilized on my workstation . but anyway your video was so clear even I could kinda get some traction so thanks! any advice ???
Thanks for the great lesson!! this is a very useful info...
Super helpful! thanks!
this was an amazing video… much needed
I've been working with Mixcraft 6 for almost a complete day now. I am using a samson Condenser Mic about 6 inches from my guitar amp. The sound file looks good with the headroom, but when I palm mute, the bass really picks up and distorts the sound too much. my mics preamp is a Line 6 UX2, which I set the Gain a little over half. Mixcraft track is set at about -9. it doesn't clip at all but sounds like it does when palm muting my guitar. My Guit. amp gain is at 8 while the master is set at 4.
awesomee lewin...headroom new word learnt..thanxx
Awesome info... Thanks
My problem is my audio interface is clipping so I have to turn that down, resulting in a weak signal to my DAW. Only just started messing with it... Will probably resolve with trial and error as usual! Nice vid though.
Great video man, I learned alot out of this single video :D
Thank you for this video, I was wondering about the topic the last few days. A little question: If I record a signal like your good signal, it usually seems too quiet and I have to crank my headphone volume compared to when I listen to an mp3. If my volume is at 20% for an mp3, I'll have to turn it up to 60% or sth. so that my recorded signal sounds "loud enough" to me. Since I don't want that listeners have to adjust their volume all the time: How to I make my signals "loud enough" afterwards?
I'm sure you get this question a lot. Record signal in mono or stereo in garageband? I feel like you're going to say mono. More room to play with?
really useful video - thank you so much!
Great vid. I have a problem, when I'm trying to record my bass guitar I'm getting hum. I've tried moving around and it fades away but, as soon as I stop moving the hum returns. I've tried a direct box(imp2) and I'm still having the problem. Please help. Thanks
THANK YOU THANK U !,! can’t wait to test this , could totally solve my problem!!👍🏼😁🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
this is really helpful!
thanks man this video saved my life :)
You're the man
whats your take on the "recording volume" would you rather have your software be how you truly adjust the sensitivity of the recording.... or on the microphone/board itself???
Thanks for the quick reply! I'm using an Avantone CK6 (couldn't afford the cv12!) for vocals and guitar (i have this singal problem with both) - its the only mic i have actually. Could that a problem...?
What kind of mic do you use?
The reason I ask is as my listeners (however small the audience may be) are only getting half the story. Through speakers and stereo headphones through my phone its all there. Listening through the devices speaker its half gone. So i get that there is only one speaker. I.e its only mono capable. But If it's there in stereo to begin with. Why is it lost! Please help!
Thanks man!!!
Here is the problem that I am having: I record a vocal and I see the signal going into the red so I bring down the recording level so that it never peaks into the red...but then what happens is that the finished recorded signal is weak (like in your demonstration). If I bring up the recording signal it starts going into the red. Any suggestions? Thanks for making such great videos by the way.
Hi Louin, May you give me some clue about basic tutorial to record vocal?
I am new, and just build my home recording studio.
What I want to ask is that " Should a singer use headphone while doing the recording to listen to the instrumental?
Because everytime I used headphone, it's hard for me to sing since I can't listen to my own voice. Advice please
Lower the gain on your preamp. Pretty simple, no?
Show the red line info to the vocalist, much of those peaks can be corrected by proper vocal technique. A good vocal take is really the best way to go, then you can start adding compression to even things out and attaining a professional sound, that also goes the same for any other audio tracks, guitar, etc.
I like recording with my interface, but then when I use my TubepreV2, i'm feeling like that is creating the hiss.
Hi Lewin, this was a v. helfpul video especially since i knew nothing about this before! But... I keep getting really small waves and I don't know why. I am using the Presonus Audiobox,24 bit, signal turned up 3/4 of the way. If i turn it up any more, it picks up too much noise, yet the waves do get much bigger.
I am playing (acoustic guitar) right up close to the mic, but that doesnt even help.
Please do you think you can help? I'm getting nowhere atm. Am i just playing too quietly?
Thanks!
Hi Lewin! just wondering how to handle the input level when alternating between chords and single notes on the same track. When i play chords the input level is perfect, but when i play single notes i get a drastic drop on the input level which give ALOT of headroom. I use a line 6 UX1 directly to garageband.
Great info
What if i want to record something like mike patton's voice which has a lot dinamic?.. Like whispers and screams. Is recomended to record separately?
This guy has given you bad information the main advantage of being able to record digitally and more important at 24 bits is the fact that the noise floor is almost non existent. Recording at low levels provides the best end results for mixing and mastering most engineers record so that they don't have to touch the faders you can only do that if you record at low levels so that when all the tracks combine their will still be headroom on the master buss.
On your "good" example, where are your signals peaking? (-12, -18 db)?
On your "weak" signal, I thought the problem was poor signal to noise ratio, or basically a higher percentage of noise to signal (therefore increasing the amount of noise as you bring the signal up to a usable level? I've never heard the term headroom noise.
I get what you're saying, but I don't think you're using the terminology correctly, which can get confusing.
Thanks
Hi!
What about the "normalize" function?
So, sometimes it happens (expecially when i make live gig recordings) that some track is low,
Is it right to normalize ?
Lewin, if we happen to record at a volume that's too low and it's not possible to re-record that part...is there a method to pursue to make the volume louder without hearing the hiss. Or should we use the noise-gate to its best ability for the track...and just hope for the best? Thanks.
Helped, thanks
Hey Lewin, I'm looking to buy a new condenser mic. What S/N ratio would you recommend I shoot for? (In dB)
thank u veri muchhh u help me a lot!!!
Cont... Should I move my Mic away more and mess with the amp master? or do I mess with the preamp gain? Shoul I be recording at about -6 on the Mixcraft track? I was told to keep the track at about -6, but this reverb bass coming in from palm muting is really bugging me out. Thank in advance.
Hi, I've been trying to record drums. Although I've been receiving sound, my signal line is virtually flat. Why is that? Thanks
yes.
I use line 6 ux 1 as my audio interface and am having poor signal strength in GarageBand when I record (so much headspace). The plug in is podfarm 2 for the ux1. Do I set the signal in there first and then record in garageband? Or just open garageband and do it in there?
Oh I'm using a condenser mic to record my acoustic guitar
Is GB 44.100 khz?
hi i have an issue recording electro acoustic guitar direct but is making a lot of hiss do you have any suggestion on recoding direct electro acoustic guitar?
Hey! I always get very strong signal when I recording acoustic guitar with absolutely no head room. How do I change that? I heard you say all of us go through that, whats the solution? (I use Samson C01U)
Turn down the mic recording lvl?
What type of microphone stand do you use for the shure sm7b?
mike myers!!
try a power conditioner
Cast This - Sunshine Superman - Garageband Recording look it up...i dont see you posting examples of your skill anywhere. If your going to insult someone trying to help out other people please provide examples next time
Max Headroom. eh? eh?
What do I do if the signal is clipping but the waves have a lot of headroom still?
Turn down the input gain on your interface. Or back off of the microphone...depends on what you're working with.
try finger ease
Thanks dude!!