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1. Re: How do I adjust the input level for voiceover?
_durin_ Jan 27, 2010 11:17 AM (in response to Vixter101)Hi Vixter,
Soundbooth records the straight signal as it is received from the audio device. You'll need to adjust the input levels for the microphone in the Mac OS Audio MIDI Setup. You can find this under /Applications/Utilities/Audio MIDI Setup
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2. Re: How do I adjust the input level for voiceover?
Vixter101 Jan 27, 2010 11:42 PM (in response to _durin_)Thanks a million, Durin! I will definitely give it a try!
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3. Re: How do I adjust the input level for voiceover?
Vixter101 Jan 28, 2010 8:04 AM (in response to Vixter101)Hey, again, Durin.
You mentioned Soundbooth uses the input level directly from the mic without any adjustment. Does this mean that that level is optimum? It seems odd that, in a typical analog set-up, that the level needs to be adjusted but when using a USB mic with Soundbooth, no input adjustment is necessary. I've ordered a new USB mic that has a 'hardware' input level adjustment built into the mic itself (there's an adjustment knob right on the mic). But, I'm still confused. Is it better to let Soundbooth (and my computer) take in the raw, unadjusted level? Or should I adjust the level using the mic knob (or, alternatively, in the Mac OS Audio MIDI Setup, as per your previous instructions)?
I hope my question is clear. Any advice?
Thanks so much!
Vixter
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4. Re: How do I adjust the input level for voiceover?
_durin_ Jan 28, 2010 9:22 AM (in response to Vixter101)Hi Vixter.
With a typical analog setup, you generally set the levels through your hardware mixer or other device in order to get the strongest signal without clipping. This signal is then fed into the input channels of your sound card, which are typically fixed line-level inputs. An audio recording application then just grabs this stream of data and writes it to a file. Were the application to perform an input gain stage between receiving the data and writing it to a file, it would be modifying your audio sample data - not actually increasing the real signal in any way. In effect, it would be the same as recording the weaker signal and turning up the volume, although you would have less overall control.
It's typically considered a big no-no to start messing with the signal before writing it to disk, as it doesn't offer the user any opportunity to revert to the original source data - the recording is modified before it is written to memory and any clipping or distortion would be permanent. Also, with a weak input signal, you're likely to end up with a higher signal to noise ratio simply because the audio information is closer to the noise floor.
A USB microphone is just a microphone with the audio device embedded. It's the equivalent of plugging a normal microphone into a pre-amp and mixer, and feeding that to a sound card, but it's all in one package. Without the ability to adjust the level coming out of the microphone, the audio applications are limited to the signal strength being fed to them by the device. USB microphones are still somewhat new, and there have been many different methods to address this shortcoming by different manufacturers. Some, as you mentioned, incorporate some adjustments in the hardware, others can modify the firmware via their drivers to boost the signal, and others fake it by boosting the sample values as they pass through the audio driver to the application.
The best scenario would be to have a microphone that allows you to adjust the input signal at the hardware level. This ensures you record the cleanest signal possible, which ensures any subsequent processing you perform in Soundbooth or another audio application has the best source material to work with.
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5. Re: How do I adjust the input level for voiceover?
Vixter101 Jan 28, 2010 9:53 AM (in response to _durin_)Thanks very much, Durin!
You seem to know your stuff! Incidentally, I just received my Samson G-Track mic in the mail. Just about to try it out.
Your advice/information assures me I've made the right decision to purchase this mic, since it has input control knobs onboard. Bear in mind, I'm COMPLETELY new to audio recording. Some of what you have told me is a little over my head at this point; but, I keep all answers to my forum questions and refer back as my knowledge base grows. I'm certain I'll eventually understand the details of your post in the months to come. At least, I'm optimistic! For now, I will experiment with my new toy! :^)
Thanks again!
Vixter
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6. Re: How do I adjust the input level for voiceover?
_durin_ Jan 28, 2010 3:18 PM (in response to Vixter101)No problem - we all start somewhere!
Basically, you want the best quality signal coming INTO the computer so the computer can obtain the cleanest recording with the least amount of noise or distortion. If you start using software or drivers to adjust a weak or quiet signal, you'll end up amplifying everything bad about the recording in addition to the desired signal. On the other hand, if everything going into the computer is nice and clean and loud to begin with, you'll get a great recording that you can then edit and place effects on, and there will be a lot less "garbage" to cause problems.
Good luck! Be sure to give us a review of the new microphone!
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7. Re: How do I adjust the input level for voiceover?
Vixter101 Jan 28, 2010 5:44 PM (in response to _durin_)Hey, again, Durin!
Well, I have to say: I absolutely LOVE this microphone! I had already purchased a Samson C01U, and had been using it. That one works real well, and gives a real nice, crisp sound. However, at the time I purchased it, I knew nothing about the latency issues with digital audio recording. So, when I plugged in headphones to monitor my voiceovers (I'm into video), I couldn't monitor my voice because the lag was too distracting. As I mentioned, my audio experience is virtually nil, though I had done some crude stuff (using an analog mic and a hi-fi VCR) years ago. That limited experience was enough for me to appreciate the need/value to monitor the voiceover while recording. It lets you hear exactly what's going into the recorder, plus allows you to appreciate the significance of background noise. Anyways, I decided I would see what was out there (in terms of USB mics) to help deal with the whole latency issue. I stumbled onto the G-Track mic put out by Samson. Also, an Adobe Forums 'buddy' (who goes by the name of "redskyat") mentioned he was using the G-Track for his voice recordings. He said he found it to be very good "for a USB mic" (I wasn't sure what that last part meant, but I knew that I needed a USB mic to use with my MacBook Pro).
Anyways, I went ahead and ordered one. It's beautiful! Works perfectly with the Mac, and with Soundbooth. I do need to pick up a pop blocker (something I didn't seem to need with the Samson C01U), plus I do want to purchase a shockmount as well. But, even without any of that, I just love this mic! It does exactly what I need. I feel (and sound!) like a pro, even though I don't have a clue! Ha! Funny, but it's true.
Anyways, Durin, I really appreciate your input and advice! I don't know where I'd be without the help of folks like yourself and "redskyat".
So, that's it for my two cents worth, and my review of the G-Track!
Again, thanks for your kind help!
Vixter
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8. Re: How do I adjust the input level for voiceover?
_durin_ Jan 29, 2010 8:57 AM (in response to Vixter101)Sounds great! I'll have to request one of those for the lab.
Have a great day


