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1. Re: Noise floor ok? But my breath is the weak point
SteveG(AudioMasters) Mar 10, 2013 11:08 AM (in response to adob1948)adob1948 wrote:
The noiseflor spectrum shows linear -100 dB from 600 Hz to 18kHz
From my understanding thats the spectral power per root of Hz.
So the noise of 20k bandwidth is root of 20k , thats 100 x root of 2.
So the -66dB noise floor seems ok.
Am I right??
Near enough, yes. Generally it's easier just to look at the integrated meter reading, which you can do without recording anything, by right-clicking on it and selecting the appropriate action.
I, myself am the source of noise. My breath at most. I can cut it when I set the compressor effect to reduce the amplification below -36db.Thats 30 dB above noise floor. But that makes artifacts.
That's not the way to go...
Is there a set of Effect to reduce breath? Is there a breathing technique for a beginner?
Eg. to speak with 45 degrees to the mic?I use two pop sceens, one with textile near the mic, the other with metal.
But the spectrum of the breath is quite broad bandYou are quite correct about the spectrum, and that's what makes it difficult, if not impossible, to filter out, because the speech you want is in the same spectrum area.
And yes, this is largely a matter of technique. You have to appreciate that breath noise isn't the same as speech sound, for a start - it tends to be created when the flow of air from you (ie, not the speech) hits something (pop screens) on the way to the mic, and this is also in the sensitive area directly in front of it. What you are picking up is this noise, and the sensible thing to do is to make sure that your breath doesn't hit anything in the first place! There's absolutely no point in using two pop screens either - this could even make things marginally worse.
What you need to do is to get the mic either slightly above or slightly below the direction your mouth is pointing in, and not directly in line with it. I'd go with just the one pop filter, and there needs to be at least 8-9 inches (20cm+) between you and the mic - this makes quite a difference. There are other things you can do as well, if you still get pops and blasting. For instance, there's an old trick of placing a pencil vertically on the front of the mic, which will act as a deflector to any remaining air blasts, away from the diaphragm. The worst problem with this is finding a suitable way to fix the pencil - elastic bands often work, but it does need to be as close to the mic as possible.
Everything else comes down to technique. You should be able to regulate the flow of breath with speaking, with a bit of practice - usually easier if you speak relatively quietly. In general, you need to speak from your throat more than your chest and abdomen, so it's not the same as singing. That should give you enough for a start!

