|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5 |
Hi, this is my first time on the forum and would be grateful for any assistance from your good selves.
My problem is the USB microphone causing a background hum when recording vocals via RealBand 2011.
I have a Sony Vaio laptop 64 bit system, running on the (irritating) Windows 7 Home Premium. I know that the hum is definitely coming from the USB microphone setup after much time spent on identifying the culprit.
I am using the Shure SM58 + X2U combo as the "USB microphone" input. There is a Realtek High Definition Audio driver (6.0.1.6235 - appears to be latest version as is at Location 0 (Internal High Definition Audio Bus)).
In the "Microphone Properties" of the "Manage Audio Devices" it is possible to adjust the microphone recording level for the Shure to be louder or softer, but not eliminate the hum. There is no microphone boost option, only a basic microphone levels.
When I click on the Controller Information properties, the driver details appear to be Microsoft 6.1.7600.16385 and saved in a Window systems 32 drivers folder.
There is an internal Realtek high definition audio microphone, but the microphone input is a 3.5mm Jack.
I have searched this forum and found the suggestion to try reducing hum using Audacity. I tried this at several different noise reduction levels, but it reduced the quality of the vocals at any level I tried.
Anyway I find it devastating that with all the expensive (to me) gear that this problem should be happening and would be most indebted for any suggestions.
Many thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Try it using the lappy on battery. If this works Radio Shack sells a device to specifically deal with this.Got a link for that X2U thing? Never heard of it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Found it. That's a pricey little devil.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5 |
Dear John
Thank you very much for your advice. I did give it a go with and without mains power and it didn't seem to make a difference. However, I must apologise and should recharacterise the noise being recorded as really more a "shhhhhhhhh" type sound rather than a "hum" per se. With the USB mic combo plugged in, but resting idle, there is one green bar on the VU Meter Input bar in Realband. Any other thoughts?
Thank you for your time.
Regards
Zoë
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5 |
...Also, regarding Radio Shack, did you mean a ground loop isolator? (wasn't quite sure what to look for as we don't have Radio Shacks in the UK)
Thanks again,
Zoë
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
What happens if you sing at full volume? Do you peg those meters into the red?Sounds like a VERY hot signal.Turn down the input gain on the thing until signing at full volume just gets into the yellow a bit. report back.
BTW yes ground isolation device. That's not it though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
You likely don't have a Ground Loop problem at all.
From description, the "SHHHH" sounds like thermal noise from electronic circuits.
It could be that your X2U USB audio adaptor might be defective.
Might also simply be a bad mic cable in which the shield has become disconnected. Try substituting another
"known good" mic cable.
Also -- it could be that you have things turned up in the playback software mixer that are adding noise. If you are using the speakers to monitor the mic at the same time, that could do it. Headphones when attempting to monitor the live mic while recording, and be sure to turn all other faders in the playback mixer off so that noise from CD or whatever isn't mixing in at the same time.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5 |
John and Mac,
Thank you very much for your suggestions.
I can hear the shhh noise through the USB adapter's built-in headphone monitor. When the mic gain on the adapter is turned all the way down, there is the one green bar in the VU meter, and the shhh sound is reduced to a higher pitched soft sounding whistle. As the mic gain is turned up (whereby singing would hit the yellow and red levels) the sound turns into a broader shh sound with that high pitch still there but more in the background.
As an aside, the adapter has a monitor dial to allow one to hear sound through RealBand and the mic input at the same time, the balance of which can be adjusted. I've used both an in-ear headphone and a regular headphone to ensure no spillage from the instrumental tracks - but anyway this shhh noise is happening even when the other tracks are not playing or I am not singing/speaking into the mic and the environmental noise is silent.
On the basis that either the adapter, or the supplied cable used to connect the adapter to the USB port, could be defective, I've now contacted both the dealer and the UK Shure distributor, and await a response.
I'm dying to record vocals using the tracks I've created via the splendid BIAB (and the Shure mic itself is wonderful too). So if this issue isn't solved, perhaps I need to move to something like the ART USB Dual Pre Two-Channel Preamplifier/Computer Interface (whose advertising claims it is "low noise")? Although the cost for it here in the UK is a big ouch.
Anyway, thanks again and I appreciate your help.
Zoë
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
With this new information, I'm thinking that you do indeee have a defective USB device there and contacting the dealer or mfr for repair or replacement is the thing to do.
Shure does not market junk, to put it mildly, I would expect any of their products to exhibit reaonably low noise levels.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613 |
I think something is defective here! I've been using the Shure X2U adapter (with a shure sm86 condenser mic) for almost a year and it's worked flawlessly. The only noise I ever hear is sometimes the mic will pick up the sound of the computer fan, but then that's just a proximity issue. I do have a bit of a latency problem when recording with it in RB, (mostly on up-tempo songs) but no problems with that when I use it to record in Reaper.  Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,800
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,800 |
I personally have never been a fan of USB mikes, they tend to act like a second sound card, and that causes timing issues especially when coupled with a built in laptop sound card that does have as good of drivers and options.
This could be a sample rate issue as well.
Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2022, Realband, Harrison Mixbus 32c version 9.1324, Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Does other software have this 'feature', ie 'hum'?
Audacity is free, I use it to record using a usb solution (Bose).
Until you figure it out you can at least practice recording.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5 |
Thanks all! The dealer directed me to a section of the Shure customer help website, and apparently the issue has to do with Windows 7 (and Vista) automatically knocking the microphone recording level to the maximum 100. One has to reduce it to a setting of 2, which according to the site "is about the same gain that was offered in Windows XP." This gets rid of the noise, but this does mean the Mic Gain needs to be turned up, and the test recordings all sound somewhat thin and tinny. Still fiddling about with the different levels to try to improve it (and getting good practice as John says) and will follow advice to try out in other packages.
Much appreciated,
Zoë
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I read that and don't quite agree with what they are saying or at least implying.Further reading in other articles leads me to believe that you need to turn the gain up on the X2U to achieve proper lighting of the meters on the unit. Then turn up the Windows control that you turned down to 2 until the meters in RB are at slight yellow.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,800
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,800 |
If it were me i would take it back and go get a decent USB computer interface and use a standard microphone. this type of setup is used by most folks and the bugs are out of it. Plus you have other options then.
Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2022, Realband, Harrison Mixbus 32c version 9.1324, Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613 |
Quote:
If it were me i would take it back and go get a decent USB computer interface and use a standard microphone. this type of setup is used by most folks and the bugs are out of it. Plus you have other options then.
I've always thought of the X2U as (being) a USB interface, it allows the use of either dynamic or condenser mic's using a standard XLR mic cable and lets you monitor playback through a headphone input. Also works well to record acoustic guitar via a DI box plugged into the X2U.
Shure makes products that are as good as any out there. I've used mine for almost a year (Vista) and find it to be a valuable and reliable piece of recording equipment.
JMHO
YMMV
Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,800
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,800 |
Greg i took a look at it and yes it is nice and has both input and output, But for $90 you could add a little cash and get a nice desktop interface that would be easier to use and have other options for attachment of instruments and such. You could get an interface with 4 inputs and have two guitars and two mikes and record with friends.
Just sayin'
Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2022, Realband, Harrison Mixbus 32c version 9.1324, Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
OK, with USB audio interfaces - there is sometimes an issue on laptops with the power save settings and how they send power to the screen as a PWM (pulse-width modulated) type of signal - which can cause audible effects on the USB input audio.
I had this issue with HP laptops of about 5 years ago; maybe 6 or 7. Try turning off all powersave features as it pertains to the screen.
This was with an entire line of HP lappys we had at work. We had to ditch using them, and went with some Dell Latitude lappys and the problem was entirely eliminated.
If it is indeed this issue - you can try various different power-save settings for the screen and you will hear the noise change with each setting. I was able to FFT analyze the annoying stuff on those lappys and if I recall correctly, it was very narrow-band response, which manifested itself in the 2kHz-12 kHz range, depending on powersave setting.
Best wishes. Here's hoping that it's not this issue - as there really isn't any user-serviceable solution.
-Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 613 |
Quote:
But for $90 you could add a little cash and get a nice desktop interface that would be easier to use and have other options for attachment of instruments and such. You could get an interface with 4 inputs and have two guitars and two mikes and record with friends.
Just sayin'
You make a good point.
I use my JamVox as a guitar interface so I was only looking for a good mic adapter when I bought the X2U (which it is). Ease of use is not really an issue as I find the X2U very user friendly & easy to use, but If I hadn't had the JamVox to begin with... your suggestion would make more sense. 
Peace Out,
Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 100
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 100 |
One possibility is the cable for your mic needing to be magnetically shielded. It could be interference from a high-voltage electricity source (probably the PSU on your computer). Check to see if the mic cable is shielded/balanced if your still having this problem.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,621
Posts735,184
Members38,518
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean