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Audacity Experts and Users... HELP!

by warriorgo
8 replies
Hi,

I realised each time I downloaded Audacity into a computer... the quality differs. Example: My oldest computer with Audacity will have background noises (bit of buzzing sound) during recording.

The next computer, my second one, has no background noise. The sound is crystal clear and in fact, if I were to record without saying anything, you literally can't hear any background noises. It's perfect.

Few days back, I bought a new computer and when Audacity is installed, the quality is like my oldest computer... background noises and buzzing sound.

So, could it be my hardware or is it a problems with settings?

Anyone can advise on that? Thanks!
#audacity #experts #users
  • Profile picture of the author KenThompson
    I hear ya, hisss. Same issue using Audacity on my current PC. I'm
    not positive, but my guess is it's hardware - sound card? I tried
    finding help about this but didn't have any success. So I just do my
    best to filter and edit any really annoying noise.

    Sorry couldn't be more help.

    Is it possible to put the sound card from the second PC into your new
    one and see how that works?

    Ken
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  • Profile picture of the author mr2monster
    sounds like a hardware problem to me, coupled by an environment problem (background noises).

    If your sound card, cables, mic, or any other of the components in the chain aren't shielded/grounded properly you will hear a buzz/hiss/etc.
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    • Profile picture of the author Christian Sawyer
      Hi,

      Most environmental background noise can be removed with software, but often you'll find that your hardware will cause some sort of noise. This is why many professionals record in different rooms than where their computer is located.

      In the end, there really isn't much you can do, but throw a little noise removal on the recorded track.

      -Christian
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    • Profile picture of the author Scott Lundergan
      What you are experiencing are the variables of general room noise, your computer hardware, the input levels on both Audacity and/or your computer input levels. Basically, what others above mentioned.

      If your input levels are set too low, you're only going to get so much audio where you then would have to raise the level and thus hearing more noise.

      To be safe and to have a strong level without distorting your audio, I would recommend between 60%-75% on both your input levels of your source and the Audacity input levels.

      These levels can vary, but it's a good starting point.


      Here is what you can do that *might* help and what I do when I get files with background noise.

      (I am copying this from the text version of the Audacity training inside our Optimize Your Video membership)

      In Audacity, highlight at least one or two seconds of the background noise ONLY that you are trying to remove. The background noise (range of frequencies) should sound the same throughout.

      1. Then, from the drop down menu, select “Get Noise Profile”.

      2. Go back to the same audio and select the entire audio area where you want to get rid of the background noise.

      3. Go back to the same menu and select “Remove Noise”. You will want to increase or decrease the amount of removal by selecting “Less” or “More” and then previewing it before selecting “Remove Noise”.
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      • Profile picture of the author KenThompson
        Originally Posted by Scott Lundergan View Post

        In Audacity, highlight at least one or two seconds of the background noise ONLY that you are trying to remove. The background noise (range of frequencies) should sound the same throughout.

        1. Then, from the drop down menu, select "Get Noise Profile".

        2. Go back to the same audio and select the entire audio area where you want to get rid of the background noise.

        3. Go back to the same menu and select "Remove Noise". You will want to increase or decrease the amount of removal by selecting "Less" or "More" and then previewing it before selecting "Remove Noise".
        Hey Scott,

        That's exactly what I do. It helps some but not completely. I did everything
        I could think of to make the room deathly quiet, and it didn't have any effect
        at all.

        The thing that gets me is that the OP mentioned it was crystal clear with the
        second PC. Hell, I'd keep that PC just for doing audio. lol

        Ken
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        • Profile picture of the author warriorgo
          Great replies and I thank all of you.

          Like to point out this test I did. I tried recording on 3 of the computers in the SAME room.

          It is a quiet room with not much background noises but in the end, the quality still differs. 2 have hisses, 1 is perfect.

          Hmmmmmm.......
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          • Profile picture of the author mr2monster
            Originally Posted by warriorgo View Post

            Great replies and I thank all of you.

            Like to point out this test I did. I tried recording on 3 of the computers in the SAME room.

            It is a quiet room with not much background noises but in the end, the quality still differs. 2 have hisses, 1 is perfect.

            Hmmmmmm.......


            Looks like you found yourself a dedicated audio machine... haha.


            I use my old laptop for a few things like that.

            I do screen recordings on it, use it as a teleprompter for live videos, and play games on it/use it for everyday surfing.

            my new computer is strictly for business stuff.
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  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    It is probably picking up computer noise like fans etc.

    Try recording with your computer in different places. Usually if its on a table it applifies the computer noises.

    Another thing to do is tray a couple of different mics as quite often they may not be compatible over different machines.

    I found that a certain headset was not compatible and that when I used my Senhisser it worked fine. A quick search on google showed others had the same problem with that headset model.

    Q
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