Microphone vocal recording settings

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a.k.a. Porp & Mr. Muffins
Member Since: Oct 09, 2002

I'm trying to get the best sound I can out of my condenser microphone with Delta 44 soundcard, and I've got a few questions. Should I have the pad switch on my mic at 0db or -10. If I have it on 0db then I imagine the added sensitivity would improve the signal to noise ratio and sound quality. However, my Behringer mixer is set up for use with a -10db studio set-up because I'm not using balanced cables. I don't really need to add any gain to the mic channel if the mic is set on 0db, so should I set it to -10 and use the gain or set it to 0db and not use the gain (Or just use a little gain) Then there's the issue of the low cut on the microphone and the mixer, should I leave those both on or off? Also, the Delta 44's inputs can be set to either -10db, Consumer(Whatever that means...), or +4 db. Usually I use them on -10db for the most sensitivity while picking up my dynamic mics. Should I change all of them, just change the input for the condenser, or what?

...Whoa, this must be a really confusing question. Sorry if it kind of jumps around :-)

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Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002


Feb 21, 2003 12:49 pm

Nah, not that confusing :)

If I were you I would leave the Mic with No Pad (0dB) - the Pad will only lower the output stage and will thus not add or subtract anything from the signal. Howver, the more gain you apply on the behringer desk - the more artifacts and noise will be added to the signal.

As to the HPF Rolloff, For vocals - yeah, roll off those low frequencies, it will mostly be garbage - however, bear in mind that you can always do a roll-off in your sotware using a simple EQ plugin.

As a final point for the soundcard - leave it on -10dB (Consumer) - it has a lower Signal 2 Noise Ratio.

jues.

a.k.a. Porp & Mr. Muffins
Member
Since: Oct 09, 2002


Feb 21, 2003 01:11 pm

Okay, thanks Jues! So if I'm using it as a drum overhead and it can't take the volume without clipping on the PC, then I should just use the pad switch? So I don't actually need a pre-amp all together, do I?

Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002


Feb 21, 2003 07:11 pm

Hehhe - worm + cans.

Right - This mic we are talking about is a condensor - as a result you are using some form of "pre-amp" along the line before you take it into your pc - presumably on your mixing desk. If you wern't using a pre-amp at all you would simply be pluggin the mic straight into the back of the PC - if this is the case, then where is it getting its phatom power from?! :)

As for the overheads - yeah, just flick the pad on - probably a good idea when doing overheads anyway.

jues.

a.k.a. Porp & Mr. Muffins
Member
Since: Oct 09, 2002


Feb 21, 2003 07:45 pm

Actually, It's a tube condenser, so it has an external power supply and doesn't need phantom power.

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