VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[jungfrow]

Hello all,

I seem to have some exaggerated static in my files.
EQ-
AKG C214, Forte Focusrite, Mac Pro laptop, Twisted Wave software

I recorded a file in silence and dots(info) appeared in the file. Even when I turned the mic way down. Is that normal?

Also, not total sold on the AKG C214...any opinions or other highly recommended mics to switch to at an equivalent price point?

Thank you for any feedback.

[cyclometh]

The best way to isolate noise in your signal chain is to do this:

Set everything up. Turn on the mic, etc.
Record several seconds of silence.
Remove the item currently at the end of the chain (starting with the mic, obviously). Record several seconds of silence. Do this until you are just recording with your software and nothing connected.

Each item you remove will eliminate some noise- you'll be able to hear whether that static you refer to is there with the mic disconnected or not. If it is, the noise is from your preamp, interface or computer. Remove each piece one thing at a time and try recording again to see where the noise is actually from.

Two other things to check:

1. Replace all your cables, one at a time. Swap them out, see if the noise persists. Unshielded cables are one of the biggest sources of self-noise in your audio chain.
2. Remove any EM sources from the area. This includes your cell phone, iPad and other devices that generate lots of radio frequency (RF) energy. Take them out or put them in "Airplane mode" to disable their radios.
_________________
Corey "Vox Man" Snow
http://voxman.net

[jungfrow]

Thank you so much for the advice and tips.
I'll check it out and see where the culprit is.

Also, I live in an apartment in nyc where most outlets are not grounded.
Any tip for cleaning up the power? Would that be necessary?

Thank you