Need recordings to be louder...got dinged on some auditions.

Kimberly Berg

Hello. I have been using Audacity to record. I had to switch to it because my new equipment works better with it. The problem I seem to be having is; although I sound normal when I listen to my final recording, I have gotten feedback from Voice123 that my volume was too low.....

Now, as you have most likely have guessed, I'm not as saavy with my recording program as I need to be yet, but I am a bit perplexed as to what I'm not turning up......

Any suggestions please!!! (other than find another profession!!)

Thanks !

Bergie

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008, 01:14 (GMT) Post subject:

ehm....

Kimberly, could you upload a recording, one that you feel sounds the way it should and feel is ready to send with an audition?
Also, are you using a USB-microphone?

And, more out of sheer curiousity... what did you use before you found Audacity to be working better with your equipment?

Kimberly Berg

Here is a sample of a recording where the volume was said to be too low:

I was using MixPad with a Skype microphone/headset combo before I switched to a USB condenser mic with a preamp usb interface. I had a problem with MixPad using my new equipment, so it was suggested that I switch to Audacity. I was able to download a patch so I could export my recordings as MP3's. I just need to figure out how to increase my recording volume without having too much gain.....I was being lazy by posting the question in here.....but I'm still learning the program...and would appreciate any help.....

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008, 17:57 (GMT) Post subject:

Yeah, that's low alright...

Kimberly, are you using a USB microphone connected to a USB preamp/interface? Like this:

USB mic -> USB interface -> computer

That's wrong. The microphone should go straight into the computer. Obviously you need the interface to be able to monitor your recordings, so it should rather be like this:

USB mic -> computer -> USB interface

Does this make any sense to you?
If not, maybe you can explain how you have your gear set up. What kind of gear are you using exactly?

Kimberly Berg · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008, 21:18 (GMT) Post subject: hmmmmmmm

I have a V63MBP MXL condenser mic, an M-Audio mobile pre usb preamp. How I have this set up is, the preamp goes to the computer and my mic is plugged into the back of the preamp. I got the preamp because I needed more oomph for my mic. I have sennheiser cans.....
so you think I have this set up bass ackwards????? Let me give this a shot.....

btw....how was the volume on the recording I sent???

Here I go....gonna change the configuration.....listen for howling from South Florida....it will be me....

Kimberly Berg · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008, 21:39 (GMT) Post subject: YeeeeHaw.......

Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you.....etc......

By Jove, (whomever or what ever that is) I think I've got it.....

Thanks for your help!!!

Bergie

Chris Clementson · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 216

Kimberly Berg · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008, 00:22 (GMT) Post subject: At last.....

I have taken my mic, plugged it into the back of my preamp, and I have set my volumes higher and reconfigured my computer settings.....voila......I have sound that can be heard.....question is, would it be called sound if you couldn't hear it?????

Peace y'all,

Bergie

ps Thanks to all ! Voice123 forums rock!!

Kimberly Berg · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008, 00:57 (GMT) Post subject: Testing....1, 2, 3........

This is a test.....

Kimberly Berg · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008, 01:00 (GMT) Post subject: ooppps

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008, 02:56 (GMT) Post subject:

Still a little low, Bergie.... are you able to crank it up even further?

Chris Clementson · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 216

Try the "Normalize" function.

Kimberly Berg

I am finding that I am getting whiffty as I get tired......I found the normalize button....and then figured out how to activate it......duhhhh, it was very simple.....

How is this?? You see, when I listen, it sounds loud.....

Feedback is greatly appreciated.....

Bergie

David Oxford · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008, 06:23 (GMT) Post subject:

Much, much better, Kimberly! Like Jacob says, though, if you could crank it a bit more, it would be even better. Experiment with different settings to see if you can get the levels up a bit more, now that you're where you are in the process.....but you've definitely improved the levels 1,000%.

Jacob:

Hey, my friend! Did you get my PM? Haven't talked to you in awhile and I hope you're doing well. Give me a shout sometime.

Smile

David

Kimberly Berg

I have been working with this all day....and I so appreciate everyone's help.....I will keep working on my levels.....I am quite tenacious as you can see.....

Until I get it right......

Peace y'all

Bergie