How to reduce "hiss" in voice recording?
So I'm playing around with Logic Pro on my Mac and am having a little trouble with reducing the "hiss" when doing a voice recording. It seems like the amount of "hiss" is directly related to my recording volume, if I turn it way down, it minimizes the "hiss" but it's still there. Not sure if it's the mic, I'm using the Shure PG27 with USB connection. Any help would be appreciated.
Replies
I guess I was trying to see if I could get all the settings in Logic Studio (sorry, said Logic Pro in the question) to work through it by direct connect of mic to computer. It's my buddy's set-up and he's just recording for kicks, seeing if he can get a good, simple set-up that "sounds good" when he records at his coffee shop shows.
Accepted Solution
it might be worth it to invest in a small two channel firewire or USB interface like M-Audio or something. If he's just doing it for kicks, then that might get him what he's looking for.
http://www.m-audio.com/pro
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An interface is one possible hardware solution. I would also recommend edirol for interfaces; I have been using one for over five years with no problems and no degradation of quality or function with time.
For software or production solutions that do not involve additional hardware, I would suggest turning down the gain on the input to your computer and adding a compressor to evenly boost volume. This will hopefully reduce the hiss going into your recording.
For a post production software solution, especially if you are trying to reduce hiss simply on vocals, try using EQs to isolate and reduce the frequencies producing the hiss. Also "de-essers" and other plugins can be useful for post production noise reduction.
When I record myself and I notice this "hiss," sometimes the noise simply fades when more instrumentation is added and final mixing is done on a production. Depending on the level of quality that you are trying to reach, sometimes it is simply more important to produce works and re-record them in the future with better hardware than to get too caught up with such limitations.
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Posted on 2010-07-06 at 22:04:49ID: 33150793
"hiss" or additional unwanted noise in the form you are describing sounds like a direct result of the equipment you are using. This is one of the many reasons why high end gear makes such a difference in recordings. The Shure PG mics are definitely the lower end series and are definitely not recommended for recording. What is the interface you are using to get into your computer? I know you said USB, but this could make a serious difference as well.