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recording with camtasia - how do I stop audio humming?....

by DavidParnell
13 replies
Ok, anyone run across this?

When I record screencasts with camtasia I get a loud humming in all my test videos...

I've tried a usb vs a direct mic plug in headset for recording. No change.

I have used the "audio enhancement features within camtasia to both automatically and manually remove background noise... this lowered the humming volume but did not eliminate it.

Do I just need to buy a quality mike like these instead of using a headset?
RØDE Microphones - Our microphones

Here is a test video with the humming...
Created by Camtasia Studio 5

Any suggestions???

Thanks ya'll!

-David
#audio #camtasia #humming #recording #stop
  • Profile picture of the author mr2monster
    Are you using a PC?

    Try going into your volume control and turning off the "Mic Boost" if it's on.

    If that's not the problem, try holding your mic in one hand and touching the PC case with the other. If that stops the humming it means that your connections aren't properly grounded.

    If that's not the problem, try a better mic.

    It's entirely likely that your microphone is just picking up electronic interference because it's not properly shielded.
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  • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
    Try turning your speakers off (mute output master) while recording. Sounds like feedback. If not, it could be sound card prob.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
      That totally sounds like an interference issue ie: speakers.

      I'd remove every appliance that is anywhere near by - and check all cords and cables to make sure they are tight. Check the outlet too and make sure you have not overloaded it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Colin Palfrey
    If the problem isn't caused by your mic boost then you are getting ground interference.
    Something you have plugged in the same multi-plug is probably causing a phase shift leading to a humming sound.

    Usually you can fix this by unplugging everything you don't need to use during recording. Otherwise you need a direct injection ground lift box, available at music shops.

    Cheers,
    Colin
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  • Profile picture of the author mattfraser
    For me it was my printer causing the issue but apparently you can buy some sort of hum box that will stop the humming from happening.
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    • Profile picture of the author hometutor
      Originally Posted by mattfraser View Post

      For me it was my printer causing the issue but apparently you can buy some sort of hum box that will stop the humming from happening.
      Makes sense. The same thing was done to stop feedback in hearing aids before I left that industry. Worked better than anything yet.

      Rick
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      • Profile picture of the author WillR
        Originally Posted by PazG View Post

        Consider recording your audio track separately with something like audacity (that's what I use along with camtasia) and then tidy up the audio from there. Most of the time it is simply a matter of getting a 'noise profile' of the humming / static and then removing it. I hope that helps.
        Originally Posted by jorgesil View Post

        I usually make the audio, as I'm going through the steps I would when making the vidoe, then clean up the audio (taking out the ums and ahs, adn what have you) and then turn OFF the mic when actually recording, and then go through the same steps while listening to the recording I've just made.
        Originally Posted by Talltom1 View Post

        However, if you have audios that need to be cleaned up, Audacity (a free software product) does a great job of this.
        You guys do all realize you can do this in Camtasia and don't need to mess around with Audacity for such a simple task, right?

        Whenever you record a video in Camtasia leave about 5-10 seconds at the beginning of the video where you don't say a thing. Once the video is finished you simply highlight that 5-10 second section of track and then go 'Audio Enhancements' > 'Manually Select a Region of Audio with Noise but no Narration' > 'Remove Noise' > 'OK'. That will then be able to figure out what is the background noise and it will remove that from the entire track. Job done.

        Personally I think recording the audio and video separately is just an unnecessary waste of your time. I record all of my videos with audio and video at the same time and they sound perfect. Just do the step above, make sure you have a decent quality mic and you should be fine.

        If the background noise is being caused by a noisy environment then you might want to consider something like this:

        Portabooth
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  • Profile picture of the author Talltom1
    Its always best if you can remove the source of the problem.

    However, if you have audios that need to be cleaned up, Audacity (a free software product) does a great job of this.

    Basically you have Audacity do an analysis of a section where there is no talking or other sound effects. Once it has that signature, it can go through the entire audio and remove or cancel out that noise signature. Works cool for all of the misc issues that crop up during a recording like 'uh', 'ok?' and the misc. clicks and other sounds.

    Tom
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  • Profile picture of the author Marketing Fool
    Yeah as others have said, it sounds like feedback from your speakers. Try turning them off. If that doesn't work, you might just need a good mic.
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    • Profile picture of the author jorgesil
      It may take a while longer, but I usually record my audio separately from the video when making camtasia videos, and then use Audacity or clean up the recording so it sounds good.

      I usually make the audio, as I'm going through the steps I would when making the vidoe, then clean up the audio (taking out the ums and ahs, adn what have you) and then turn OFF the mic when actually recording, and then go through the same steps while listening to the recording I've just made.

      It's an extra step, but I've found it makes for better sounding audio. Plenty of studies have shown that professional sounding audio is crucial for any kind of video, sometimes more so than the quality of the video itself.
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      • Profile picture of the author Pilotben
        Originally Posted by jorgesil View Post

        It may take a while longer, but I usually record my audio separately from the video when making camtasia videos, and then use Audacity or clean up the recording so it sounds good.

        I usually make the audio, as I'm going through the steps I would when making the vidoe, then clean up the audio (taking out the ums and ahs, adn what have you) and then turn OFF the mic when actually recording, and then go through the same steps while listening to the recording I've just made.

        It's an extra step, but I've found it makes for better sounding audio. Plenty of studies have shown that professional sounding audio is crucial for any kind of video, sometimes more so than the quality of the video itself.
        It is the way it should be done, although it can be time consuming. I found that using a pop filter helps reducing the humming as well. As others have said, turn down the speakers or turn them off completely. See if you can get a high quality mike with USB port, and a pop filter.
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  • Profile picture of the author troy23
    I tend to get a hum if I leave my smartphone nearby.
    Try removing any electrical appliances in the vicinity of your computer that could interfere with the sound.
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    • Profile picture of the author PazG
      Consider recording your audio track separately with something like audacity (that's what I use along with camtasia) and then tidy up the audio from there. Most of the time it is simply a matter of getting a 'noise profile' of the humming / static and then removing it. I hope that helps.

      ( sorry just saw jorgesils post, exactly what he said!)

      Regards

      Paz G
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