noisy dynamic mics when recording

lucasmusic · 11th July 2007

Basically Im getting what I would consider alot of unwanted "air" noise from my dynamic mics. Is there something wrong with my gear? Is this normal noise of a dynamic mic? It becomes a real problem miking; especially if anyone wants to do a vocal.
ok I just wanted to demonstrate whats going on so I recorded the AT2020 and an SM57 direct into my DIgi002 w/no effects. same conditions and environment; I just Normalized each track. take a listen...be sure to crank your speakers a bit so you can really hear the hiss sounds going on.

Kiwiburger · 11th July 2007

Dynamic mics do not make noise. The only reason you are hearing hiss is because dynamic mics require more gain than a condenser mic, and you have a crap noisy mic preamp.

Why do you think professionals spend $1000+ per channel for decent mic preamps?

You've already asked this question yesterday and got your answer. As you said then, this happens with ALL your dynamic mics. Thats because they all need more gain from your preamp, and when you turn up the gain you can hear the self noise of the preamp.

I think Digidesign have brought the Focusrite name down into the gutter, because they basically imply they have Focusrite preamps, but the price should let you know that you aren't buying quality.

lucasmusic · 11th July 2007

well..then this is a good example of how bad Digidesigns 002 pres are. Thats scary.

Kiwiburger · 11th July 2007

See if you can borrow a decent mic pre, and see what it does for your sound. An API A2D, going in s/pdif to bypass the digi converter as well might surprise you with your dynamic mics ...

Or anything else good from Neve, Great River, Buzz, Chandler etc, etc

lucasmusic · 11th July 2007

you know I did borrow a Pacifica a while back (sounded amazing!), but unfortunately I didnt test any dynamic mics on it. Just used it on condenser mics and bass guitar going direct.

Stevil · 11th July 2007

also lay off the normalization. thats going to bring up the noise floor with the line level. try limiting, it will bring the peaks up without cranking up the noise floor.

G-String · 1st November 2009

I'm having a similar problem.
Dynamic mic -> Duet -> Logic.

If I bring up the track fader - too much noise.
If I keep the track fader low, but crank up the Duet, the noise is slightly more tolerable.
Keeping the gain low but adding a compressor insert raises the noise level too.

Should I look into a quieter pre? Or are the Duet pres about as quiet as I'll get for the price range.

The vocals are more light rock, quiet type. So it's been a little tricky...as singing louder kind of changes the feel and intimacy of the song.

11th July 2007	#2
Kiwiburger Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,075	Dynamic mics do not make noise. The only reason you are hearing hiss is because dynamic mics require more gain than a condenser mic, and you have a crap noisy mic preamp. Why do you think professionals spend $1000+ per channel for decent mic preamps? You've already asked this question yesterday and got your answer. As you said then, this happens with ALL your dynamic mics. Thats because they all need more gain from your preamp, and when you turn up the gain you can hear the self noise of the preamp. I think Digidesign have brought the Focusrite name down into the gutter, because they basically imply they have Focusrite preamps, but the price should let you know that you aren't buying quality. __________________ My carbon footprint is bigger than yours.

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11th July 2007	#3
lucasmusic Gear addict Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 440 Thread Starter	well..then this is a good example of how bad Digidesigns 002 pres are. Thats scary.

11th July 2007	#6
Stevil Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,193	also lay off the normalization. thats going to bring up the noise floor with the line level. try limiting, it will bring the peaks up without cranking up the noise floor.

1st November 2009	#7
G-String Registered User Joined: May 2009 Posts: 55	I'm having a similar problem. Dynamic mic -> Duet -> Logic. If I bring up the track fader - too much noise. If I keep the track fader low, but crank up the Duet, the noise is slightly more tolerable. Keeping the gain low but adding a compressor insert raises the noise level too. Should I look into a quieter pre? Or are the Duet pres about as quiet as I'll get for the price range. The vocals are more light rock, quiet type. So it's been a little tricky...as singing louder kind of changes the feel and intimacy of the song.