Example:
http://soundcloud.com/andrewclow/phases-for-piano
(That's particularly bad example, via mp3 and the built in mic, the effect is always there before converting and with a better microphone. )
When I'm recording piano, I get a sort of slow wahwahwah effect just at high frequencies, that makes the piano have a sort of metallic sound, particularly in quieter sections with less bass (although that might just mean it's more perceptible then). It's also audible in the second or two of hiss before I start playing, and there's a noticible change in the tone of that hiss as we near actual music.
Currently I'm using Audacity with default settings on my XP netbook but was surprised to find the same problem with Audacity on my colleague's new, high spec Windows7 ultrabook. However, the effect isn't noticibly there with the same microphone and a straight-to-mp3 dictaphone, which surprises me.
I've tried it with and without plugging in a small microphone, and changing between realtek and the other option for audio input in Audacity, and I've tried using a much higher sampling rate.
- Is the problem likely to be the sound card on the laptop?
- If so, what should I ask for in a new laptop (which I'm planning in the next couple of months anyway), or should I get an external USB soundcard?
- Is the problem likely to be in Audacity? If so, what settings should I change for piano recording, or what other free or cheap recording software is both straightforward and good.
- Is there something else I haven't thought of?
(The question What do I need to make reasonable quality amateur recordings of vocals/piano to put on Youtube? has some good advice about external hardware if that's the best solution, but if I can do it with existing PC hardware, or with an intelligent choice of a new laptop, that would be great.)