6 réponses à ce sujet

[Challseus]

Hey all.

So, as many others are doing with their games, I will be including some VO. I began the journey last night, with mixed reviews, which I documented in my February 28th Daily Journal Entry. The important points are:

• I am currently using a USB Logitech Headset/mic combo
• I'm doing it in my moderately sized bedroom
• What I record comes out very low initially, but sounds fine. As I increase the volume through Audacity, I begin to hear what I can only describe as... static... It just doesn't sound right.

So, to all of those who are currently creating VO, I was wondering what your setup was. More specifically:

• What type of Mic/headset are you using
• What type of audio editor are you using
• Where are you actually recording things
• How do you deal with the static issue (if it even exists)

For the record, I have had no issues getting to into the game, or anything like that. It's just the quality that is the main issue at the moment.

Thanks.

[orpheus333]

Ok i'll try this from the bottom up. When it comes to static there maybe a few things that could be causing this. Firstly when you are recording, what format are you recording to? Things like wav are your ideal...uncompressed, massive file size but no cheeky tricks and manipulation of the noise floor. You should be recording as wav only with the highest sample rate and bit depth you can. If this is the case your static maybe coming from the natural noise generated within your computer. USB should avoid this to a certain extent but PCs without dedicate audio inputs/outputs will always have a higher noise floor.

What you are doing with audacity is simply cranking up the gain on the signal more will increase not only what you want to hear but also what you don't want to hear, to avoid an increase in the noise floor it maybe best if you try and record at as high an input level as possible without allowing the microphone to distort. However if your software only works via your PC internal pre-amps all increasing this will do is increase the inherant noise in your PC consider running your vocal through the pre-amps on cassette recorder first thist will boost volume without interferance from your PC. You will need to be careful of your Ps and Bs however as these will pop in a headset mic also if you can record into audacity with a compressor plugin. This will even out the dynamics of your vocal range and allow you more control when mastering and more headroom when recording.

Your bedroom should be ok as your are using a headset mic but even puting (i know this will sound funny) a towel over your head will reduce that feeling of having your voice in a space a little more. The ideal is as dead a room as possible. Small, quiet and shielded with rockwool and a good condenser microphone with a pop shield.

I hope that helped a little.

If you want to send me any files I am happy to master any voice over work from anyone as long as I get some sort of credit.

edit: I also want to add that all audio that you record into your PC is surrounded by electronics. If you can turn off or reduce the speed of as many case fans as possible. Not only will this reduce acoustic case noise recorded through your mic but also interferance from the electronics in your case. Another thing is always try and use the back panel mic input over the front panel input, if you have one, back panel inputs normally have better shielding due to have direct connections to your motherboard rather than a jumper and wire connection.

Modifié par andyr1986, 02 mars 2010 - 12:06 .

[Challseus]

Thanks for the highly informative response. I'm at work at the moment, so I can't try out any of your suggestions. I do have some answers for you, however.

- With regards to the format I am recording to, I am following details for Audacity written in this WIKI page. In retrospect, it seems as if I am recording it at the lowest settings, so I can get it integrated into the game. I guess I need to record it at a higher level, then downgrade it?
- Wow. So, is there no way to increase the volume, except for speaking louder into the mic?
- I'll try the towel technique.

Thanks again.

Modifié par Challseus, 02 mars 2010 - 02:46 .

[Malvicus]

I would add one thing as an addendum to Andyr's great advice. Purchase a handheld recorder like the Zoom H2 Handy recorder that goes for around $150 bucks. It's a great purchase at that price. I have it and love it. But I can definitely understand if you cannot afford to make that purchase at this time. In any case, having a handheld recorder allows you to do your recording in a controlled space.

So if your computer is really loud or if your in a room with a very active HVAC blowing air into the room while you're recording, then you can just move to a quiet room and record there. Then come back to your computer and download via USB. That should eliminate a good portion of your troubles right there.

Modifié par Malvicus, 05 mars 2010 - 05:10 .

[orpheus333]

Challseus wrote...

Thanks for the highly informative response. I'm at work at the moment, so I can't try out any of your suggestions. I do have some answers for you, however.

- With regards to the format I am recording to, I am following details for Audacity written in this WIKI page. In retrospect, it seems as if I am recording it at the lowest settings, so I can get it integrated into the game. I guess I need to record it at a higher level, then downgrade it?
- Wow. So, is there no way to increase the volume, except for speaking louder into the mic?
- I'll try the towel technique.

Thanks again.

Hey

Sorry I haven't posted in a while I've had a lot of work on lately. 

Personally I would record at the highest bit depth/sample rate you can and then re-sample to what the game requires. Its another step in the chain I know but It will pay dividends when it comes to the quality of your VO in your module.

This I believe would be what Bioware themselves do when record VO for DA's original campaign.

When It comes to increasing the input gain of your mic there is only a single thing you can really do and that is get an external mic pre-amp. This will boost the input into your PC, allowing you to record above the noise of your computer. I have actually been trying over the last week to record guitar straight into a PCs line in. Very noisy. My friend has been suffering the same problems that you have. With guiter this is exacerbated by the effects that are needed for the instrument. You may find this also if you try to create a darkspawn-like VO for your module. While I try my best to the reduce the money involved all I can offer in advice is to get a proper audio I/O. M-Audio do a good USB fasttrack module that will input XLR and 1/4 inch and mini jack. Google it. Its about £100 or so. 

When it comes to a USB headset I can't give much more advice without seeing your system and how the headset software works. USB audio shouldn't have a high noise floor as far as I know. The noise maybe produced by your softwares mic boost or effects software. If you have software for your headset that adds reverb, noise suppression, echo cancellation or a mic boost etc. I would turn it off. From working with the guitar I have found that turning every input and output, that isn't necessary, off. Will give you a reasonable reduction in noise. For example if your are using windows go to your control panel/sound settings and find every input and output. All you want active are your mic inputs and stereo mix out.

If all else fails and good VO means alot to you send the files my way and I can place some noise reduction plugins over them.

P.S. On Malevicus's suggestion an external recording recording device is another option to a dedicated in/out for your PC. However you won't have the same features that even audacity will give. (Compression is the main one). However it is a good alternative if your PC is loud and you aren't in an ideal environment. Living/Bedrooms are pretty good. They have carpets, curtains etc all these reduce unwanted reflections. 

Modifié par andyr1986, 15 mars 2010 - 03:23 .

[Challseus]

Thanks for the help, guys! I haven't had a chance to try it again, but all your information seems pretty sound. I have no problem spending some money to get better quality, so I may go that route.



I will report back (eventually!) when I get back to this.



Thanks again!

[Jaesic]

One relatively cheap fix to background noise (which you will always have in doing computer recording unless you have studio quality noise reduction built into your fans and casing), is to have a long enough mic cable to do your recordings in a different room from the computer. Especially if you can close a door between you and any running motors and fans (AC units, house ventilation, any fan cooled electronic device, 'fridge/freezer, large glass window looking onto a street).



http://www.musiciansfriend.com/m-audio



Gives you a number of different options (if you have money to invest in your vocal recording process) in the $100-150 range. A few of those come with better quality microphones that you will typically get out of a standard computer mic/headset combo... or you can get something that allows for XLR input and you can switch over to using whatever professional audio mic you want to use... just don't go spending too much money on quality mics if you don't also have a good location for recording.



I recommend avoiding any sort of wireless system for recording purposes. The convenience of being wirefree with mics is countered by the fact that you have to spend ridiculous amounts of money to get the same quality sound as you'd get out of the old standard, the Shure 58 (which you can get for under $100 if you look around a bit).



Of course, if you have a little more money available for it; it doesn't cost too much money to convert a small room or a large closet into a simple studio. The key to a cost-effective, functional recording studio in your home is to keep the noise generating equipment outside the studio. This means leaving the computer itself in another room and having your monitor and control devices, like keyboards (both typing and instrumental varieties) a mouse, and any other instruments inside. You can produce fairly effective sound reduction padding by lining your space with a couple layers of muslin or another rough fibered cloth and cardboard egg cartons. Keep in mind that this room is likely to get warm (you don't want someplace ventilated, because air cavitation causes a fair amount of noise) so be prepared to take regular breaks and have water with you while you work.