Two Types of Noise
When you record any audio, you will run into two types of noise. Those two types are acoustic noise, which is the noise of the space and electrical noise, which is noise picked up and created by the gear itself.
Tips for Reducing Acoustic Noise
Whenever you set yourself up to record, you always want to keep in mind that you are recording your instrument in a particular space. You are going to want to make a very clean recording. The cleaner the recording, the more you will be able to manipulate your sound in the post-production process. You will want to begin by spending some quiet time in the space where you are recording. Make sure to listen to all the noises going on around you. Example might include the traffic outside your closed window, the humming of a refrigerator or noise from neighbours on the other side of an apartment wall. Try to reduce these noises as much a possible. Sometimes it’s a good idea to put some pillows up against a closed window to completely block out all outside noises. Another suggestion is to unplug your noisy appliances. When using a computer to record, the noise of the fan can make it ways into the recording. Try placing all the mics away from the computer. High quality recordings are very possible as long as the space is acoustically isolated.
Tips for Reducing Electrical Noise
Every piece of gear does make some sort of electrical noise. In fact, every piece of gear comes with a specification in the manual for its level of self-noise. Because EVERY piece of gear creates some sort of noise, it’s best to use the least amount of gear possible when recording. When you are connecting you gear, use the shortest cables possible. Audio signals running through cables will pick up more noise the longer that have to travel. It’s also best to use balanced cables like XLR or TRS cables as much as possible because balanced cables try to reject noise along the way. Electrical noise can also come from other pieces of electronic equipment in the same room you are recording in. Lights that use dimmers create electrical noise so it’s best to turn down all dimmers. Power systems of houses or apartments use an alternating current of 50 or 60 hertz, which translates into a constant audible hum. This constant hum can make its way into your recording.
It Pays to Invest
One of the most effective ways of reducing noise as well as many other headaches is to invest in high quality gear. Gear that is constructed with a lot of metal tend to be more quiet than gear made out of plastic.
Setting Your Gain
Setting your gain stages properly is a very efficient way to avoid noise. It’s best to boost your levels electrically as little as possible. If you want a louder vocal recording, move the mic closer to the singer instead of turning up the mic preamp. Moving the mic closer to the source will record more of the source and less of the room. This is an effective way of reducing acoustic noise as well. It’s also best to use a directional microphone so the mic can focus more on the sound source and not the room around the sound source.
Wrap Up
So, before you start recording. Listen to the room your recording. Try to be as silent as possible so all those quiet noises become audible. Then, take the proper measures to reduce all these noises. You can muffle you closed windows with pillows, turn off your appliances, turn down your dimmers, and so on. Once the environment has been taken care of, you want to take all the necessary steps mentioned above to reduce all your electrical noises coming from your equipment. It’s always best to take care of these problems in the very beginning instead of relying on post-production tools to solve your noise problems. Taking care of noise in the beginning will make post-production MUCH easier.
But….Noise CAN be Music
Sometimes, noise can be used creatively. Examples can be found in many electronic pieces of music. However, it is always important that if noise is used musically, it is completely controlled and on purpose. Once noise is properly avoided, it can then be properly controlled.
Thank you for reading and good luck with the rest of the course!
Cheers
André
