Singing too loud into microphone, help

[kiiaz]

When I sing too loud into my AT2020 USB mic this is what it sounds like, around 7-8 seconds in the sound clip

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page...songID=8319343

I am using audacity, how do I fix this problem?

[EightString]

Typically, you should maintain a distance of at least several inches between your mouth/lips and the mic.

Secondly, you should set the input volume in your recording software low enough so that you aren't getting "clipping", usually represented by a level meter "going into the red".

Thirdly, are you SURE you have the input set to the USB mic and not your computer's built-in mic? The quality sounds pretty bad for a decent condenser.

[kiiaz]

Originally Posted by EightString

Typically, you should maintain a distance of at least several inches between your mouth/lips and the mic.

Secondly, you should set the input volume in your recording software low enough so that you aren't getting "clipping", usually represented by a level meter "going into the red".

Thirdly, are you SURE you have the input set to the USB mic and not your computer's built-in mic? The quality sounds pretty bad for a decent condenser.

how do I fix the second thing you said? I just went back to my preferences and messed with my bit and stuff dno if that helped

[EightString]

Originally Posted by kiiaz

how do I fix the second thing you said? I just went back to my preferences and messed with my bit and stuff dno if that helped

I don't use Audacity, so I couldn't give you a "step by step".

However...

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=audacity+input+volume

[kiiaz]

ehh that didnt work much, it just lowered the volume, when i hit the high/loud notes is still distorts

[Dthraco]

Sounds like you have the gain on your mic too high. I have a 2020 as well, and I can record loud guitar with it. Mine is not the USB version though.

If you can find a gain setting, that is what you need to lower. Are yo just using Audacity, or does the AT2020 come with software that controls it?

[LordBTY]

Sounds like clipping to me...

Also, the room sounds a bit bad... try putting some insulation in there.

[AdaaaMM]

As for changing which mic your computer is "recognizing" i have such problems with this and sonar home studio that i think i know what you can do to get your condenser working. Simply click on the speaker icon bottom left, look at your recording devices, and if your condenser mic is listed, make sure that that is being selected or used as default.

[AdaaaMM]

Originally Posted by AdaaaMM

As for changing which mic your computer is "recognizing" i have such problems with this and sonar home studio that i think i know what you can do to get your condenser working. Simply click on the speaker icon bottom left, look at your recording devices, and if your condenser mic is listed, make sure that that is being selected or used as default.

also make sure that when you go into audactity, click edit>preferences> then change the recording input device to your condenser

[Pankot]

The AT2020 is aimed at podcasting and so it may not be shipped with the gain setting necessary for it to cope with someone singing loudly into it (as opposed to talking into it.)

You mentioned that when you tried adjusting the record volume it clipped the same way, but quieter. That indicates that the record volume isn't adjusting the gain at the needed point in the chain (as Dtraco guessed.)

You need to be able to adjust the gain at the point *BEFORE* the signal reaches the ADC circuit inside the mic - I suspect that you're getting clipping at that point. This parameter might be called "trim" or "pad" instead of "gain".

If you aren't able to access such a parameter, then you will have to either (a) move away from the mic, which isn't very satisfactory as you'll get more room sound; or (b) get the non-USB version (like Dthraco) and a separate audio interface - which will let you adjust the trim appropriately for your singing volume.

HTH

[JDRock]

try backing away just a skosh or two from the mic when your "belting it out"..

[kiiaz]

how do i adjust the gain? i dont see anything in the preferences in audacity

[Pankot]

It won't be in audacity, if it's there. Does the mic have its own "control panel" software, or does it offer any advanced properties if you go to Windows Control Panel ->Sounds and Audio Devices->Sound Recording? (or advanced properties if you select "Volume" under Sound Recording?)

[kiiaz]

Originally Posted by Pankot

It won't be in audacity, if it's there. Does the mic have its own "control panel" software, or does it offer any advanced properties if you go to Windows Control Panel ->Sounds and Audio Devices->Sound Recording? (or advanced properties if you select "Volume" under Sound Recording?)

i tried theres nothing... =(

i think im just gonna buy a diff mic then and try to sell this

man i thought iwas set for recording but i guess i have to re buy stuff

[Pankot]

I just looked up the manual for that mic and indeed there is only one control for the gain, the one that is available in Windows Control Panel ->Sounds and Audio Devices->Sound Recording->Volume (not advanced.) So if turning that control down doesn't fix the clipping, you will have to swap it out for another mic with more control.

[kiiaz]

Originally Posted by Pankot

I just looked up the manual for that mic and indeed there is only one control for the gain, the one that is available in Windows Control Panel ->Sounds and Audio Devices->Sound Recording->Volume (not advanced.) So if turning that control down doesn't fix the clipping, you will have to swap it out for another mic with more control.

hey man i really appreciate ur help, i bought this off ebay so it didnt come with a manual etc

ill try what u said. thanks a bunch ill let u know later



edit//


hey man i think what u said worked!!! THANKS DUDE, well i cant really tell if it works cuz i cant too loud right now cuz everyone is sleeping but yeah it stopped the clipping a bit

Ill update again tmrw or something!!